The Black Entrepreneurship Program Pitch Competition was an evening filled with energy, creativity, and inspiration, showcasing the remarkable talent of Black entrepreneurs. Over 20 attendees tuned in to witness innovative pitches and engage with the vibrant BEP community. Judges Efosa Obano, Rachael Obasan, and Robert Tyndale provided insightful feedback, asking challenging questions that pushed contestants to refine their ideas. Participants forged meaningful connections with the judges, audience, and each other, making the event a true celebration of collaboration and innovation. The suspenseful deliberations kept everyone on the edge of their seats, culminating in the announcement of three deserving winners.
What Is BEP and Why Does It Matter?
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is committed to empowering Black Canadians with resources, mentorship, and funding to turn their business ideas into thriving enterprises. The pitch competition is a cornerstone of this initiative, offering participants a platform to present their ventures, receive expert feedback, and gain funding to propel their businesses forward.
Meet the Judges
The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, each a leader in their respective fields:
- Efosa Obano: Founder of the Black Founders Network, supporting Black entrepreneurs with resources and community.
- Rachael Obasan: CEO of Rachael King Bakery, bringing strategic leadership and a passion for innovation.
- Robert Tyndale: Founder of Version Me Media, a branding and marketing expert and board chairman for the Federation of Black Canadians.
The Visionaries: Meet our Black Entrepreneur Pitch Contestants
The competition featured five dynamic participants, each with a unique and impactful vision:
- Eugine Ncube – Kihari Collections: A semi-luxury fashion brand celebrating African heritage through high-quality clothing and accessories. Eugine aims to bridge contemporary fashion with traditional African aesthetics, creating a platform for cultural representation on a global scale.
- Korina Thomas-Reynolds – Roots to Routes Academy: An initiative focused on increasing graduation rates among Black high school students through credit courses, Black history tours, and teacher training. Korina’s vision is to empower youth with culturally relevant education and resources.
- Lota Chukwu– Caiel Inc : A data analytics consultancy helping non-technical organizations make better decisions through tools like Tableau and Excel. Lota’s transformative work has already saved her clients millions of dollars.
- Elie Mambou – Markets of Things: A retail-focused tech company revolutionizing how businesses use analytics to boost efficiency and profitability. Elie’s approach is accessible and impactful, offering solutions for organizations of all sizes.
- Kelechi Oriaku – Uselooking: A platform tackling the loneliness epidemic by connecting individuals through shared interests and activities. Inspired by her personal experiences, Kelechi integrates AI technology to foster meaningful real-world connections.
Black Entrepreneurship Pitch Winners
After a series of compelling pitches and engaging Q&A sessions, the winners were announced:
– 1st Place ($5,000): Kelechi Oriaku, for her groundbreaking platform, Uselooking.
– 2nd Place ($5,000): Korina Thomas-Reynolds for her transformative educational initiative, Roots to Routes Academy.
– People’s Choice Award ($2,500): Lota Chukwu, for her innovative and practical solutions with Caiel Inc.
Don’t Miss Out!
The BEP Pitch Competition was a powerful reminder of the talent, resilience, and innovation within the Black entrepreneurial community. Don’t miss your chance to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and witness the next generation of changemakers. Subscribe to our monthly recap for the latest on programs and resources!
Join Us!
Become a member of the Federation of Black Canadians and follow us on all social media platforms at @fbcfcn for updates on future events, resources, and opportunities to support Black entrepreneurs across Canada.
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Together, we are building a legacy of excellence and innovation. See you at the next event!
