This week, the 2nd Annual Elevate Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition showcased the innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs, where eight finalists presented their groundbreaking business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges.
In just four minutes, contestants pitched their ventures, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judges.
Meet the Judges
This year’s panel included:
- Nate Moore, founder of Moore Consulting.
- Holly Howat, founder of Beacon Community Connections.
- Kristi Anderson, chief strategy officer for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
These industry leaders evaluated each pitch based on creativity, feasibility, and market potential.
Winners of the Competition
The competition culminated in the announcement of three winners:
1st Place: Above the Limit
Above the Limit, founded by Karen Dugas, took home the $5,000 award. This educational company provides tailored tutoring services for K-12 students and an ACT preparation program aimed at helping students secure scholarships.
Dugas, with over 20 years of teaching experience, is passionate about student success. The funds will be invested in opening a computer lab at the Above the Limit Education Center, located at 105 Independence Blvd., Ste. 3, Lafayette.
What They Offer:
- One-on-one tutoring for K-12 students.
- ACT and SAT preparation.
- College and career counseling.
- Workshops for families to enhance the learning experience.
2nd Place: Nina Creole
Nina Creole, a food truck business created by Nina Charles, claimed the $2,500 award. The truck serves a unique twist on Creole cuisine, including an array of stuffed egg rolls, vegetarian, vegan, and kid-friendly options.
Charles launched her venture in 2021 after experimenting with recipes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The food truck gained traction on social media and even led to an appearance on Netflix’s Is It Cake?. The award will help her with shipping and stocking for upcoming events, including the Acadiana Eats Festival on October 26.
Specialties Include:
- Stuffed egg rolls with a Creole twist.
- Diverse menu catering to various dietary needs.
3rd Place: BeLuxxe Health & Wellness
BeLuxxe Health & Wellness rounded out the top three, earning a $1,000 award. Founded by Raquel McCorvey, a dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, the spa focuses on holistic care and medical-grade services.
After being laid off during the pandemic, McCorvey was inspired to start her own business after attending a Black Nurse Entrepreneurs conference. BeLuxxe offers services like weight management, vitamin therapy, and medical-grade skincare.
Services Offered:
- Medical-grade spa treatments.
- Weight management and vitamin therapy.
- Massage therapy.
Elevate Entrepreneurship: Supporting Local Startups
The Elevate Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition is more than just a contest. It provides a platform for local entrepreneurs who have completed the Accelerate Northside and Accelerate Women’s Entrepreneurship programmes to pitch their businesses in a “Shark Tank”-style format.
This competition aims to:
- Increase visibility for local entrepreneurs.
- Help refine their business strategies.
- Expand their professional networks.
Coordinated by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and Opportunity Machine, the event is part of ongoing efforts to support small and minority-owned businesses in the region.
Celebrating Local Talent
The competition has received national recognition, recently winning two awards from the International Economic Development Council. This accolade speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of local entrepreneurs and the support they receive from the community.
Why Local Competitions Matter
Competitions like the Elevate Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition are vital for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within communities. They provide:
- Financial Support: Winners receive funds that can significantly impact their startup journey.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants meet industry leaders, potential investors, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
- Exposure: Pitching to a panel of judges and an audience elevates their business visibility.
Conclusion: Empowering Entrepreneurs
The 2nd Annual Elevate Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition highlighted the incredible talent and innovation within our local business community. From educational services to culinary delights and holistic health, these entrepreneurs are paving the way for a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As the community continues to rally behind its local businesses, events like these play a crucial role in supporting and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.
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