Small Business Owners Shine in LISC's 4th Annual Pitch Contest

We teamed up with The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) to host the 4th Annual Local Founder's Stage Pitch Contest during the Mass Black Expo on Saturday, November 2nd at the Boston Convention & Exhibit Center. Local Founders Stage was created in order to highlight the innovation that exists within communities of color and allow entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their business ideas, get feedback, and build relationships with judges and community stakeholders.

Thanks to the generous support of Citizens Bank, LISC was able to offer a total of $20,000 in prizes to pitch winners. LISC wants to thank all the participants and give a special congratulations to the 4 prize winners below:

Early Stage Competition

• 1st Place, $3,000 - Love Joy by Dominique Aubrey
  Apparel made for curvy-shaped women
  Website | @wearlovejoy
  
• 2nd Place, $2,000 - Hapi African Gourmet
  by Paulette Ngachoko
  Launched to expose the world to the delicacies of Africa, Hapi African Gourmet makes a delicious African style creamy peanut sauce.
  Website | @hapigourmet

Growth Stage Competition

• 1st Place, $10,000 - Rhyme Antics
  by Chantel Calloway
  Rhyme Antics is a vocabulary game inspired by hip-hop for ages 12+. Rhyme Antics is unique and versatile as it functions as both a party game and a classroom game. 
  Website | @rhymeantics
  
• 2nd Place, $5,000 - Intriguing Hair
  Nikia Londy
  Intriguing Hair sells high-quality extensions, hairpieces, and wigs, and has certified hair extension specialists who can work with clients and color and install the pieces.
  Website | @IntriguingHair

For more about LISC's work with small businesses, click here.

The Annual Local Founders' Stage Pitch Contest is sponsored by: