Phase I 

Phase I is open to Black-owned, founded, or controlled businesses throughout Central Florida.  Interested companies will complete an application and submit their capability statement and a three-minute video about their company (pre-recorded promotional videos will not be accepted).  Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select five businesses to advance to the final competition and the opportunity to win cash prizes of up to $10,000 and admission to the Accelerate Central Florida Cohort. 

Should you apply? 

You should apply to participate in the inaugural Empowerment Pitch Competition if you have a desire to expose your product or service to consumers and corporations looking to do business with Black-owned, operated, and controlled companies. The exposure that you will receive by applying is priceless! Apply by Friday, July 29th, for an opportunity to pitch your product/service in front of some of the top corporations in the world. 

Even if you are not selected to move to Phase II, your pitch will be seen by representatives of some of America’s top corporations that are all looking to source products and services from Black-owned, operated, and controlled businesses. 

Phase II 

Everyone who proceeds to Phase II will have an opportunity to win up to a cash prize of $10,000 and admission into the Accelerate Central Florida Cohort by participating in the Live In-Person Inaugural Empowerment Pitch Competition at the 3rd Annual Empowerment Business Conference.  

Each participant will give a five-minute, live, in-person pitch to an audience of judges comprised of lenders, buyers, and supplier diversity professionals. 

Following each live pitch, the panel of judges will have up to five minutes for follow-up questions 

Applicants must be available and willing to pitch their idea on Friday, August 12, 2022, at the “Practice Your Pitch” session and also at the 3rd Annual Empowerment Business Conference on August 19th 

Questions 

Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact Heather Numa at hnuma@blackcommerce.org or call 407-420-4870 ext 285.