BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation and Kauffman FastTrac®, will host a free Pitch Competition and Graduation ceremony from 6PM to 9PM on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Through a competitive process, seventeen students were selected to participate in the program designed to enhance their business acumen through skills development, access to resources and subject matter experts, and peer support to equip and encourage graduates towards the start and growth of successful businesses. The program will feature the top three finalists competing for $22,500 in total prize money, industry experts offering keen insights, participant graduation, and light refreshments. The free event is open to the public. Access Eventbrite to register.
A panel of judges will review finalist presentations to determine awards of 1st place or $10,000, 2nd place or $7,500, and 3rd place or $5,000.
Finalists include:
• Gloria Lynch of Vaginesse™
• Judith Wafe of The Fourth Trimester NP
• Sharon Christie of Visionaire International Eye Wear
"The Kauffman program is one of the best resources available to Broward County entrepreneurs," said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald. "It takes great initiative, tenacity, and commitment to complete our intensive 10-week program. They have worked with staff to develop and hone innovative business ideas with the potential to enhance the South Florida business landscape," said McDonald.
"Look forward to dynamic presentations, tears of joy, and steely determination at our pitch competition and graduation," said Wharton Berger, OESBD Economic Development Manager. "Our students have received a wide range of wisdom as shared by subject matter experts Laura Borland, President/Co-Founder Vyllage, Co-Founders Allison Freidin and Alan Ket of Miami's Museum of Graffiti, Jacqueline Jimenez of Newsworthy Stories, OESBD staff and others. This cohort is fully capable of revolutionizing business while positively impacting families and communities," said Berger.
For more information about Kauffman FastTrac®, call 954-357-6400 or visit Broward.org/EconDev.
About the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD)
The Office of Economic and Small Business Development is responsible for promoting economic development and supporting Broward County's small businesses. Areas of focus include workforce development, business expansion and retention, small business growth, business development and outreach, international trade and export readiness, entrepreneurial development, and promoting Broward County as a film destination. Services are delivered by the agency and through partnerships with federal, state, local and private sector organizations. The office promotes equal access to Broward County's procurement opportunities for small business enterprises in local and federal small business programs and helps position small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities and grow their businesses beyond Broward. Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Call 954-357-6400 for more information or visit Broward.org/EconDev. About Kauffman FastTrac®
Kauffman FastTrac® aims to lower the barriers to entrepreneurship by providing practical learning materials, delivered online and via teaching partners, to entrepreneurs. In doing so, FastTrac® encourages and equips more people to start businesses, contributing to increased startup activity nationwide.
October 31, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Monique S. Headley, MSOL
Public Information Officer/Community Relations and Outreach Manager
954-357-6400
mheadley@broward.org