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
Sharon McLennon
A trailblazing entrepreneur and licensed CPA, Sharon McLennon has over two decades of experience in real estate. As the founder and leader of Splendor Realty and Renaissance Management Group, Inc., she has successfully expanded her businesses to provide comprehensive real estate and property management services. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first Black woman-owned Coldwell Banker franchise owner in Florida, reflecting her commitment to excellence and community impact.
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).
Brenda Desir
At the Urban League of Broward County, she leverages over 15 years of finance industry experience to empower entrepreneurs and small minority business owners through her role as a Compliance & Lending Analyst. Her nearly 17-year tenure has seen her excel in the Entrepreneurship Center, where her efforts have been crucial since the organization became a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Brenda's commitment to bridging the capital gap and fostering generational wealth was recognized in 2022 when she was honored in the Florida Panthers' Celebration of Hispanic Excellence.
Final Round
Event Judges and Panelists
Founder Panel
Marco Benitez
Marco Benitez is a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of ROOK, a pioneering wearable API platform transforming health data into actionable insights. A former Tae Kwon Do champion turned biomedical engineer, Marco leverages his diverse background in pharma and fitness to revolutionize the health tech industry. His innovative approach and dedication to empowering companies with meaningful health data have established him as a rising leader in the wearable technology and wellness sectors.
Sandra LaPlante
Sandra LaPlante is the CEO and Founder of Papaya, a STEM Student Marketplace. With a proven track record of delivering high-impact solutions for Fortune 500 companies, Sandra brings her data-driven approach and customer focus to revolutionize STEM education. Her collaborative style and experience working with C-level executives across media, technology, and aerospace industries uniquely position her to bridge the gap between education and industry needs in the STEM field.
Veon Brewster
Veon Brewster is the founder and CEO of Veba Baby, creating the world's first smart baby bottle monitor. A Shark Tank alumna and Techstars '23 participant, Veon leverages her background from Google, Salesforce, and PwC to revolutionize infant nutrition. As a PhD student in Engineering & Computing, she combines cutting-edge technology with parental needs to ensure safer, healthier feeding for babies. Veon's mission is to provide peace of mind to parents through innovative, data-driven solutions.
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.
