The D.C. Division of Small and Native Enterprise Growth awarded $600,000 to the winners of the 2023 “Battle of The Wards” Dream Pitch Competitors on Saturday with Ward 8 entrepreneurs taking high honors.
Sixteen finalists from Wards 7 and eight acquired money awards, recognition, publicity, mentorship, assets and networking alternatives.
“I’m excited to acknowledge the spectacular accomplishments of those revolutionary enterprise house owners,” mentioned DSLBD Director Kristi C. Whitfield. “They’ve proven unbelievable creativity and dedication and displayed distinctive expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in numerous industries. It’s really thrilling to see how their improvements could have the facility to revolutionize whole industries and make a significant impression on the financial vitality of our metropolis.”
The Dream Pitch Competitors is an annual initiative by DSLBD that goals to offer a platform for rising entrepreneurs to current their groundbreaking concepts and revolutionary options to a panel of esteemed judges and fellow enterprise house owners.
First place went to EightFold Farms DC, an city farm owned by Calvin Hines, profitable $20,000. The primary runner-up was Ward 7’s Ed Emcee Academy, an academic consulting company led by Tony Keith Jr., with $17,000.
Braids, Beads & Issues acquired second place in Ward 7. Ashley Travers, the proprietor, obtained $15,000.
Okay&J Refinishing Firm LLC of Ward 8 positioned second in Ward 8 with a $15,000 prize. The corporate, led by Kimberly Stribling, enhances inside areas inside properties, specializing in refinishing duties reminiscent of reglazing bathtubs, tiles, counter tops, and kitchen cupboards.
District Flora LLC in Ward 7, owned by a medical hashish entrepreneur Bryan Jackson, gained $12,000. City Rein Classic of Ward 8 was a third-place finisher owned by Marcus Binion promoting up to date attire and getting $12,000.
The ten contributors who remained within the battle had been granted a minimal of $10,000, whereas these from the victorious Ward 8 obtained a further $500. Different companies that competed acquired from $2,000-$7,500.