The Lauderhill CRA and The City of Lauderhill presents
Small Business Expo and Pitch Competition
Official Hashtags
#PITCHPLEASE #PITCHITREALGOOD
Accelerate Your Business with the Ultimate Pitch Challenge
The Lauderhill CRA and The City of Lauderhill invites you to join us at our 2nd Annual “Small Business Expo and Pitch Competition.” This educational event is designed to inspire, teach, and equip entrepreneurs with the tools to elevate their business.
Do you or does someone you know have a side hustle, business idea, or startup and are ready to compete for a chance to win
A grand prize of $25,000
- Date: August 31, 2023
- Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Location: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) 3800 NW 11th PL, Lauderhill, FL 33311
About The Lauderhill CRA
The City of Lauderhill’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is an entity created by the City of Lauderhill to promote economic and community revitalization of defined areas in the City. Each of these areas are defined as CRA districts and are governed by the Mayor and Commissioners of the City of Lauderhill.
The Lauderhill CRA Board
Ken Thurston
Mayor
Sarai "Ray" Martin
Vice Mayor
Melissa P. Dunn
Commissioner
Denise D. Grant
Commissioner
Lawrence "Jabbow" Martin
Commissioner
Meet Our Esteemed Judge: Pinky Cole
Pinky Cole, the dynamic mogul behind the $100M Slutty Vegan empire, will be one of the judges. From humble beginnings to multiple locations and impressive revenues, she has revolutionized the food industry. Beyond the food, Cole’s impact extends to community, commerce, and compassion, providing employment, supporting local businesses, and championing initiatives for health and generational wealth. With a remarkable personal story and a trailblazing mindset, she inspires others to pursue their dreams and turn passion into profit.
Get ready to receive invaluable insight and feedback from Pinky as she evaluates your pitches and selects the winners. Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs will inspire you to reach new levels of success.
Round 1 & Round 2
Event Judges and Panelists
Dr. Oliver Falloon-Reid
With over 20 years of real estate and mortgage financing expertise, he's an ardent advocate for civic responsibility. He's a seasoned leader with a strong engagement record in the Jamaican Diaspora community for 12 years. Former president of the Jamaica United Relief Association and Jamaican American Bar Association, he now leads as President at The Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce. Academic achievements: LL.B from the University of London, MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Saint Thomas University.
J.R. Mc Farling
With over two decades of experience in business development, J.R. McFarling is a dedicated advocate for minority entrepreneurs. As a driving force at the Urban League of Broward County, he focuses on fostering community wealth through engagement, training, and technical support. His commitment lies in nurturing and expanding minority-owned businesses, ensuring their growth and success while empowering underserved entrepreneurs.
Ivelices Thomas
As Founder & CEO of HR & Beyond, Ivelices Thomas combines two decades of Labor & Employment Attorney experience with HR finesse. A certified Florida Supreme Court Circuit Civil Court Mediator, she's lauded for mentorship with Women of Tomorrow and SCORE Broward. Recognized as one of South Florida’s Most Influential Business Women and Top 40 Under 40 Black Leaders, she holds a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Nova Southeastern University and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Final Round
Event Judges and Panelists
Introducing the esteemed panel of judges and experts presiding over the grand finale of the Pitch competition.
Pinky Cole
Visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, CEO & Founder of Slutty Vegan, ATL. From shared kitchen to 3 locations, Slutty Vegan earned $4 million within 6 months. Merging TV production and veganism, she models a unique business uniting community, commerce, and compassion. During the pandemic, revenues rose 15%. Pinky aids Atlanta's community through rent assistance, student support, and social change initiatives. Daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she defies odds, turning passion into profit and inspiring positive change.
Dr. Andrew "Andy" Ingraham
Entrepreneur and tourism expert from Broward County, Florida, with Bahamian roots. Founder of Horizons International Group Inc., specializing in African American, Multicultural, and Caribbean tourism. Created National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Inc. (NABHOOD) in 2001, promoting African American ownership in hospitality. Notable roles include serving on NAACP's National Tourism Advisory Committee and hosting Annual International African American Hotel Ownership/Multicultural Tourism Summit & Trade Show. Esteemed consultant and speaker in hotel investment, development, and multicultural tourism, bridging entrepreneurship and advocacy.
Robyn Hankerson-Printemps
Publix Super Markets' Community Relations Manager, merging 15+ years' expertise in communications, PR, marketing, event planning, and social media. A University of Florida Alumni Association Regional Director's Award recipient, she excels in her contributions. Robyn's educational achievements include a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Her career is defined by effective communication and community engagement, showcasing her unwavering commitment to excellence across all endeavors.
Ian Hamilton
With 20+ years' experience, he's Comcast's XFINITY Communities Regional Sales Manager. A B2B sales enthusiast, he excels in diverse media solutions. Anchored by robust leadership skills, Ian embodies Responsibility and Achiever traits from CliftonStrengths. His academic base comprises a Business Management degree from Andrews University. His career shines through inventive sales strategies and an unwavering commitment to excellence, continuously providing valuable solutions to clients.
Todd Holt
VP of Business Development at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Todd excels in the Life Sciences sector. His adeptness in economic development shines through numerous relocation and expansion projects. Formerly at Enterprise Florida, he facilitated "Life Sciences" sector growth statewide. Academically accomplished, Todd holds a Bachelor's from the University of Arkansas and a Master's in Economic Development from Delta State University. As a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXXIII, his active involvement underscores his commitment to leadership and community progress. Throughout his career, Todd's contributions drive growth and innovation in the Life Sciences sector and beyond.
Event Moderator
Vanessa James
Millenial CEO of Vanessa James Media (VJMedia)
Vanessa, better known as VJ, is the CEO of Vanessa James Media (VJMedia). As a passionate multimedia entrepreneur with over 13 years in voice acting and travel collaborations, she’s also an expert in content creation, branding, and entrepreneurial coaching.
Resources to Help You Succeed
We want to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel in the competition. We’ve curated a collection of helpful resources to enhance your entrepreneurial journey further.
Event Program
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Food Truck Roll Lunch (Available for Purchase)
1:00 PM – Doors Open – Expo Hall
1:00 PM- 2:00 PM – Check-In at Registration Desk
2:00 PM- 2:50 PM – VIP Reception- Ticket required for entry: LAUDERHILLCRAVIP
2:45 PM -3:00 PM – Welcome Remarks & Introduction of event, City Commission
3:00 PM-3:30 PM – Moderated Conversation/Interview Pinky Cole
3:35 PM-4:25 PM – Pitch Competition
Finalists:
- Richielle Giscombe, Glam’n’Go
- Tracey Estelhomme, Sauce Cup
- Jermain Morgan, Grocery List
- Yohan Alcide, Rent 2 Park
- Alex Stennett, Laminomics
4:35 PM-4:45 PM – Live Voting for Fan Favorite | Fan Favorite Winner Announced | PITCH WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED
4:45 PM -5:00 PM – Closing Remarks
5:00 PM- 6:00 PM – Expo Hall
Photos from 2022 Pitch Competition
Community Partners
Become a Sponsor and Showcase Your Support
We invite businesses and organizations like yours to partner with us as sponsors of the Small Business Expo and Pitch Competition. By sponsoring this event, you will not only gain exposure and visibility among a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, but also contribute to the growth and success of the business community.
Please contact us at 954-714-2184 with any questions about the event and how you can contribute.
