Start.Pivot.Grow. (SPG), a leading economic development program by consulting firm Integrality, hosted its highly anticipated “PITCH IT!” competition on Oct.16, 2024.
SPG hosted the event in collaboration with the Dallas College Foundation.
The event offered entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their business ideas and compete for cash prizes aimed at driving their growth and success.
Held at Dallas College, the competition featured 11 finalists, all of whom emerged from an initial round of entries.
These finalists represent a variety of industries including retail, e-commerce, and franchising, pitched their innovative business concepts to a panel of distinguished judges.
“These businesses worked hard for ten weeks to prepare themselves for the opportunity to pitch their innovative concepts and access needed capital to fuel growth,” said Cynthia Nevels, CEO of Integrality.
“We are very proud of each contestant.”
Attendees included over 30 community members, influencers, and business leaders, all present to support the small business community.
The judging panel consisted of prominent figures from the business world, including Juan Carlos “J.C.” González of Wells Fargo, Angel Deleon of Texas Capital Bank, Shannon Flowers of the Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation, Dr. Bianca Busch, a college psychiatrist, and LaCedric Williams of UPS.
The panel evaluated the pitches based on creativity, potential for growth, and impact.
The event culminated in the awarding of three major cash prizes, powered by The UPS Foundation.
The winners were:
- 3rd Place ($2,500): Pallavi Pande, DTOCS
- 2nd Place ($10,000): Erica McCrae, Homewatch Caregivers of McDonough
- Grand Prize ($20,000): Kia-Shun Voltz, ShampooTime
Kia-Shun Voltz, founder of ShampooTime, impressed the judges with her innovative pitch and took home the grand prize, which will provide critical funding to support the growth of her business.
“Winning the PITCH IT competition hosted by Start.Pivot.Grow. is an incredible milestone for ShampooTime,” said ShampooTime Founder Kia-Shun Voltz.
“This recognition validates the hard work, innovation, and passion that drive our mission to transform hair care for parents and children. Cynthia Nevels has been instrumental in preparing me throughout the accelerator, and her guidance and support has been truly invaluable. It’s not just about winning—it’s about making meaningful connections and taking one step closer to achieving our vision – I’m honored.”
