The City of Lauderhill and The Lauderhill CRA presents
Small Business Pitch Competition
Compete, Inspire, and Win Big
Accelerate Your Business with the Ultimate Pitch Challenge
The City of Lauderhill Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) presents its 4th Annual “Small Business Pitch Competition.” This educational event is designed to inspire, teach, and equip entrepreneurs with the tools to elevate their business.
Do you or someone you know have a side hustle, business idea, or startup ready to compete for a chance to win a grand prize of $25,000?
- Date: August 29, 2024 (Invitation Only)
- Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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
Denise D. Grant
Mayor
Sarai "Ray" Martin
Vice Mayor
Richard Campbell
Commissioner
Melissa P. Dunn
Commissioner
John T. Hodgson
Commissioner
Preliminary Round
Event Judges
J.R. McFarling
J.R. McFarling is the Small Business Development Officer at the Urban League of Broward County, where he supports entrepreneurs through strategic growth and program development. A dedicated community advocate, he frequently moderates panels and leads bootcamps focused on legal planning, operational risk, and funding. With a passion for empowering underserved founders, J.R. leverages his expertise to foster sustainable ventures and drive economic equity.
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).
Dr. Winnifred McPherson
Dr. Winnifred McPherson is the founder and CEO of Virtue Medical Staffing Services and Virtue Technical Institute in Lauderhill, serving clients across Broward and Palm Beach counties. She is Vice President of the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce and a retired Major from the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Dr. McPherson holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and has served in academic leadership and teaching roles. She is also a published author and active member of several professional and civic organizations.
Top 5 Finalists
Lil Sippers
Grand Prize Winner
Safe feeding meets smart design with Lil Sippers. Their flagship product is their patented color-changing baby bottles, which give parents peace of mind by using patented thermochromic technology that visually indicates if the liquid inside is too hot or too cold. Their mission is to make parenting easier and more secure by combining thoughtful design, advanced safety features, and high-quality, BPA-free materials.
OGA Street Tech
Second Place
Led by CEO Chimadika "Chim" Okoye, who brings nearly a decade of infrastructure expertise and prior entrepreneurial success, OGA Street Tech combines deep technical knowledge with proven execution capabilities. With SustainaStone, OGA Street Tech is reimagining concrete as a reusable, ultra-low carbon material that cuts infrastructure costs and emissions. Its flagship Pothole Pillow is leading the way as the world’s first reusable pothole patch.
Bonnee The Clothing Swap App
Third Place
Bonnee is a clothing swap app redefining fashion for Gen Z and Millennials, created by Vanessa Sanchez. Bonnee makes it easy, fun, and sustainable to refresh your wardrobe without spending money by using a credit-based system. Bonnee aims to provide a faster, more joyful way to refresh your wardrobe, without any hassle over prices, all while reducing fashion waste.
KamKo Dance Life
Fan Favorite
Movement is both mission and strategy at KamKo Dance Life, a mobile-first company delivering culturally responsive dance and fitness programs across Broward County. They provide dance education, fitness training, and wellness programming through flexible, on-the-go services such as school-based residencies, community center workshops, private events, and pop-up dance sessions. Their signature program, KamKo All Starz, is a youth competition team offering training and performance opportunities to underserved students.
Coco Ting
Coco Ting is a vibrant, tropical-themed juice bar that specializes in fresh coconut water, cold coconuts, Caribbean herbal drinks, and wellness shots. Their product offerings cater to a growing consumer demand for natural, refreshing, and health-conscious beverages. Coco Ting sources its coconuts directly from local homeowners and farms within their surrounding neighborhoods to create income-generating opportunities for individuals and families in their area.
Final Round
Event Panelists and Judges
Founder Panel
Chandler Malone
Chandler is committed to helping people maximize their economic potential through his work at Bootup Studios. Over the past 9 years, he’s launched and invested in 10 companies with a combined market cap of $300M, securing 4 exits and 7 markups. He’s helped over 3,000 people land their first tech jobs, generating $250M+ in annualized salaries. Chandler has spoken at the White House, delivered the 2023 Washington University commencement address, and been featured by Forbes, Essence, Pitchbook, and AfroTech, among others.
Alexis Chin
Alexis Chin is the Director of Operations at Black Ambition, supporting the CEO and leadership in driving strategy, culture, and performance. With a strong corporate background and experience leading diverse teams, she excels in operations, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Alexis holds a BSc and MBA from the University of the West Indies and is passionate about advancing racial and economic equity through inclusive leadership and sustainable growth.
Jamie Allison
Jamie Allison is a strategic board director, angel investor, and former Chief Product Officer of FordPass at Ford. With deep expertise in mobility, AI, and connected ecosystems, he currently serves on the board of Terbine and mentors early-stage startups through FAU TechRunway and Alchemist Accelerator. Jamie is also an adjunct professor at FAU Executive Education, teaching AI and innovation. As a 4X Ironman and co-founder of OuchySport, he blends leadership with passion for athletic recovery. He brings strong governance and innovation experience to public and private sector boards, driving digital transformation and corporate growth.
Chandler Malone
Chandler is committed to helping people maximize their economic potential through his work at Bootup Studios. Over the past 9 years, he’s launched and invested in 10 companies with a combined market cap of $300M, securing 4 exits and 7 markups. He’s helped over 3,000 people land their first tech jobs, generating $250M+ in annualized salaries. Chandler has spoken at the White House, delivered the 2023 Washington University commencement address, and been featured by Forbes, Essence, Pitchbook, and AfroTech, among others.
Roxette Irvine
Roxette Irvine is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader, actively empowering women and minority-owned businesses through her work at Broward College and Miami Dade College. As the Director of the Miami Dade College Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, she spearheads initiatives that drive growth and innovation. With a deep passion for education and entrepreneurship, Roxette continues to create impactful opportunities that support and uplift diverse communities.
Alexis Chin
Alexis Chin is the Director of Operations at Black Ambition, supporting the CEO and leadership in driving strategy, culture, and performance. With a strong corporate background and experience leading diverse teams, she excels in operations, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Alexis holds a BSc and MBA from the University of the West Indies and is passionate about advancing racial and economic equity through inclusive leadership and sustainable growth.
Jamie Allison
Jamie Allison is a strategic board director, angel investor, and former Chief Product Officer of FordPass at Ford. With deep expertise in mobility, AI, and connected ecosystems, he currently serves on the board of Terbine and mentors early-stage startups through FAU TechRunway and Alchemist Accelerator. Jamie is also an adjunct professor at FAU Executive Education, teaching AI and innovation. As a 4X Ironman and co-founder of OuchySport, he blends leadership with passion for athletic recovery. He brings strong governance and innovation experience to public and private sector boards, driving digital transformation and corporate growth.
Investor Panel
Ron Tarro
Ron Tarro, a seasoned tech executive and investor, drives innovation as President of New World Angels and founder of SalientVoice Ventures. With expertise spanning IT, telecommunications, and cybersecurity, Ron fuels the growth of groundbreaking startups. His passion for empowering visionary founders and track record of successful investments make him a key player in shaping Florida's vibrant tech ecosystem and beyond.
James Irvine
James Irvine, CFO at SQRL and founder of Pitch Night, blends Wall Street expertise with startup passion. He's showcased over 100 startups across multiple cities, bridging founders and investors. James's diverse background in finance and startup consulting makes him a key player in scaling businesses and unlocking investment opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Roxette Irvine
Roxette Irvine is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader, actively empowering women and minority-owned businesses through her work at Broward College and Miami Dade College. As the Director of the Miami Dade College Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, she spearheads initiatives that drive growth and innovation. With a deep passion for education and entrepreneurship, Roxette continues to create impactful opportunities that support and uplift diverse communities.
Event Moderator
Phil Castro – Kamp
Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Innovative Events
As the founder and CEO of Kamp, Phil Castro is a driving force in the startup and venture capital ecosystems. With a passion for fostering entrepreneurial success, Phil has hosted over 6,500 founders across 22+ cities, delivering unparalleled experiences through Kamp’s dynamic startup events. With his strategic vision and commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, Phil is poised to make a lasting impact in the startup world.
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.
Proud to Be a
2025 Grow with Google High Impact Partner
We’re honored to be recognized as a Grow with Google High Impact Partner for our commitment to empowering our community with essential digital skills. Through workshops and activities, we help individuals and businesses harness the power of technology to grow, innovate, and succeed. This badge reflects our dedication to making a lasting impact.
Photos from 2024 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 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 Lauderhill business community. Review our sponsorship levels and select a package that aligns with your goals. Together, let’s make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Please contact one of our staff members at 954-714-2184 with any questions about the event and how you can contribute.
