top of page

2024

START TO SCALE

PITCH

Sign.png

“Start to Scale” is a series of courses designed to help Black Entrepreneurs in preparation of the annual Juneteenth Festival in Leimert Park.

 

The “Start to Scale courses are hybrid. Vendors that participate in our program have the choice of attending in person or attending virtually via Zoom.

​

Only Vendor who participate in our courses and agree to all the program guidelines are eligible to participate in our Pitch Contest.

START TO SCALE

Sign.png

2024

PITCH

In 2023, Elevate Culture ignited the entrepreneurial spirit in partnership with Chase Bank, launching the inaugural "From Start to Scale Business Playbook Pitch Contest". This dynamic event took place on June 13th at the Crenshaw Community Branch, marking a new chapter of innovation and growth.

We celebrated the triumph of three exceptional winners – all leading Black woman-owned and operated small businesses – who received awards of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively. Their victories were commemorated at an exclusive vendor dinner reception, setting a benchmark of excellence for our community.

 

Looking ahead to 2024, we're scaling new heights with the third installment of our playbook series – and it promises to be our most ambitious yet. With plans to sponsor at least 300 vendors, we're aiming for a 300% increase in participation. Our unwavering belief in creative ingenuity fuels our mission to exceed goals and make 2024 the most impactful year for Elevate Culture and the communities we serve.

Join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can scale the peaks of success and elevate the culture of entrepreneurship.

The (20) vendors that are selected will have (2) minutes to present their best business proposal. Be sure to include your brand's mission, plan to scale, and what makes your product/ service different from others in your industry!

​

Our panel of judges will ask questions and provide feedback after your pitch.

The winners will be announced and awarded on stage at the 2024 Leimert

Park Juneteenth Festival!

2023

PITCH

START TO SCALE

Sign.png

PITCH CONTEST DETAILS:

Eligibility:

  • The Contest is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 and above.

  • The Contest is open to businesses that are legally registered and operational.

  • Employees, directors, and officers of the non-profit organizing organization and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

​

Application Process:

  • All participants must complete the designated application form to enter the Contest.

  • The application form must be submitted within the specified deadline.

  • Each participant may submit only one application.

  • All information provided in the application must be accurate and complete.

  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

​

Selection and Judging:

  • Twenty businesses will be selected as finalists from the pool of applicants.

  • Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges appointed by the non-profit organization.

  • The judging criteria may include but are not limited to, innovation, feasibility, market potential, and presentation quality.

  • The decision of the judges will be final and binding.

​

Prizes:

  • The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $2500.

  • The second-place winner will receive a cash prize of $1500.

  • The third-place winner will receive a cash prize of $1000.

  • The cash prizes are non-transferable and will be awarded as a check or electronic transfer.

bottom of page