The inaugural Scale Up DC Pitch Competition will happen on Tuesday, May 21. This event will highlight 10 innovative founders from the DC metropolitan area looking to secure a spot in the final pitch competition and a chance at $50,000.
Dr. Carletta S. Hurt, president of the National Black MBA Association DC Chapter, expressed her excitement about the event. “It’s great to have the Scale Up Pitch Competition in DC this year, especially as we prepare for the national conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some amazing founders who are shaping the future of their industries while contributing to our local economy,” said Dr. Hurt.
The competition features a diverse array of businesses at various levels, each with a unique innovation and visionary goals. The 10 founders are:
Please Assist Me – Founded by Stephanie Cummings, this company offers comprehensive home management services through a single app. It aims to streamline daily chores and errands by integrating technology and service provision.
Femly – Arion Long established Femly, which focuses on providing eco-friendly feminine care products and is dedicated to addressing menstrual health through accessible, sustainable solutions.
SOTRO – Stephanie Louis’s venture offers an innovative platform that enhances online shopping experiences with VR technology, allowing users to try before they buy.
Drink Krave – Founded by Aliyah Newman, Drink Krave offers a range of natural, hydrating beverages designed to meet a modern audience’s health and wellness needs.
SneakPeek Technologies Inc. – Justin Kelly’s company is at the forefront of artificial intelligence in retail, developing technologies that personalize the shopping experience.
Whitman Consulting – Andre Thornton has developed a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and leadership development for nonprofit organizations.
WH Farm Co. – Nicole Vanderhorst’s initiative focuses on sustainable farming practices, aiming to reconnect people with their food sources through community-supported agriculture.
LASARRUS Clinic and Research Center – Led by Lloyd Emokpae, this facility is dedicated to innovative patient care and cutting-edge clinical research in the medical field.
Myles Comfort Foods – Myles Powell’s business brings a new twist to comfort food, offering gourmet options that are both satisfying and heartwarming.
YOVI – Founded by Miles Holt, MS, YOVI is a tech startup developing digital tools to enhance vocational training and career development.
The Scale Up DC Pitch Competition is a qualifying event for the Scale Up Pitch Semi-Finals competition and eventually the final competition during the 46th annual National Conference in September. Three founders will advance to the next round in August and win nearly $10,000 in cash and prizes. Founders are members of the National Black MBA Association – DC Chapter and reflect the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the potential of the DC metropolitan area.