After receiving a record-breaking number of applications, the annual Elevate Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition coordinated by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and Opportunity Machine (OM), in partnership with the LEED Center at UL Lafayette, has announced this year’s 9 finalists.
This business pitch competition offers local entrepreneurs who have graduated from the Accelerate Northside and Accelerate Women’s Entrepreneurship programs a chance to pitch their business shark tank style to a panel of judges for feedback. The competition also offers participants the opportunity to win a share of $8,500 in prizes, gain visibility, refine their business strategy, and expand their network.
The finalists represent a wide range of industries, from wellness and beauty to food services, each offering unique products and services to the Lafayette community. This year’s finalists include:
- Parc De Oaks LLC – Founded by Andrea Amos
- Ebony’s Beauty Hair & Skin Care – Founded by Ebony Robert
- Nina Creole – Founded by Nina Charles
- Attakapas Outpost – Founded by Erica Fox
- BeLuxxe Health and Wellness LLC – Founded by Raquel McCorvey
- Connect Chiropractic – Founded by Elizabeth Romar-Chavis
- AJC Business Solutions – Founded by Aleisha Johnson Cook
- Above the Limit LLC – Founded by Karen Dugas
- Southern Kreole Cravings – Founded by Logan Alfred
The competition, which recently won two national awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), is part of LEDA’s ongoing efforts to support small and minority businesses.
“The Elevate Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition is a successful example of our commitment to fostering economic opportunities and creating jobs for our community,” said Mandi Mitchell, president and CEO of LEDA. “By supporting small and minority business development initiatives like this, we are empowering entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises that strengthen our local economy and enrich the lives of our residents.”
The final competition will take place at Opportunity Machine on October 9 at 6:00 pm. Those interested in attending the event can register at bit.ly/ElevateEntrepreneurship. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.