Regional Pitch Challenge
Amplifying Black Entrepreneurship:
Showcasing Ideas, Accessing Capital, and Driving Growth
2023 SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge application is now closed!
Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge
June 10, 2023 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm
California State University, East Bay
Location
Cal State Hayward Valley Business and Technology Center
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd Hayward, CA 9454
Join us at the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge!
Are you ready for an evening of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inspiration? Mark your calendars for June 10th from 5 pm to 8 pm at California State University – East Bay’s Valley Business and Technology Center!
The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Black MBA Association is excited to announce the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge. This event aims to empower black entrepreneurs in Northern California by providing a transformative platform to showcase their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and access capital.
The competition invites black entrepreneurs in Northern California to pitch their innovative business concepts to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business people. Participants will have the opportunity to receive valuable feedback on their ideas, network with like-minded individuals, and compete for a chance to win cash prizes.
Our goal is to support and elevate the diverse voices in the business community, and provide a platform for black entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and gain exposure to potential investors and customers.
We invite all eligible black entrepreneurs in Northern California to apply for the Northern California Black Entrepreneur Pitch Competition and take the first step towards realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.
About SF Black MBA Pitch Challenge
The SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge is an exciting event that brings together talented entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This regional pitch challenge serves as a platform for Black MBA professionals and emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking business ideas and compete for top honors.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with inspiring pitches, captivating presentations, and thought-provoking discussions. It’s an opportunity to witness the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs as they share their innovative concepts and strategies for success. The event is designed to foster collaboration, networking, and mentorship opportunities, creating an ecosystem that nurtures the growth and development of aspiring business leaders.
The SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge not only showcases the entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the business world. By supporting and empowering Black entrepreneurs, the event aims to break down barriers, create more opportunities, and inspire the next wave of leaders who will drive economic growth and make a positive impact in their communities.
How Does The Challenge Work
During the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge, the top ten eligible applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges. Each company will be given approximately 10 minutes to present.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
- Must be a black entrepreneur residing in Northern California.
- Must be a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.
- Must have a business idea or an existing business that is less than three years old.
- The business must be at least 51% black-owned.
- Must have financial growth projection of $1M
By applying for the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge, applicants acknowledge and agree to meet these eligibility criteria. The organizers reserve the right to verify the eligibility of any applicant and disqualify any applicant who does not meet these criteria.
Who Should Apply?
Sign up as a new member of the SF Bay Area Chapter
- Visit https://nbmbaa.org/joinnbmbaa
- Select your current career level
- Select the “San Francisco Chapter”
How Do I Apply?
The application submission is closed. Please visit us in Spring 2024!
Voting
Prizes
- First prize winner will receive a $5,000 grand prize.
- Second prize winner will receive $1,500.
- Third prize winner will receive $500.
- People’s Choice Award winner will receive a pass to attend the NBMBAA 45th Annual Conference & Career Expo to be held in Philadelphia, PA, September 12-16, 2023.
In addition to the prizes, the top 10 applicants will receive mentoring and coaching opportunities from Bee Partners, our valued partners.
*Note that transportation and travel expenses are not included.
Terms & Conditions
By applying for the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge, applicants acknowledge and agree to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Eligibility: The SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge is open to all black entrepreneurs who are 18 years of age or older and reside in the San Francisco Bay Area. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States.
- Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a completed application form and pitch deck that describes their business idea, including the problem they are solving, their target market, their business model, and their competitive advantage. The application must be submitted by the application deadline and in the format specified by the organizers.
- Selection Process: Applicants will be evaluated based on the criteria specified by the organizers, including the innovativeness of their business idea, the potential impact of their idea, their ability to execute their idea, and the quality of their pitch. The organizers reserve the right to select the finalists and disqualify any applicant who does not meet the eligibility criteria or fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the competition.
- Participation: Finalists must be available to participate in the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge on the date and time specified by the organizers. Finalists must also agree to participate in any promotional activities related to the competition, including media interviews and social media promotion.
- Intellectual Property: Applicants retain ownership of their business idea and intellectual property. By applying for the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge, applicants grant the organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free, and irrevocable license to use their pitch deck and other materials for promotional purposes.
- Confidentiality: The organizers will take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of applicants’ business ideas and intellectual property. However, the organizers are not responsible for any unauthorized use or disclosure of this information.
- Liability: The organizers are not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury arising from participation in the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge. Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses or permissions for their business idea and complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
Changes to the Terms and Conditions: The organizers reserve the right to modify or amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated to the applicants in a timely manner.
By applying for the SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge, applicants acknowledge and agree to meet these eligibility criteria. The organizers reserve the right to verify the eligibility of any applicant and disqualify any applicant who does not meet these criteria.
2022 Regional Pitch Challenge Winners!
First Place Winner
Makisha Boothe
Sistahbiz Global Network
SECOND Place Winner
Akonkwa Mubagwa
Winko Solar, Inc
THIRD Place Winner
Christopher Allen
Grantwiser
SPONSOR OUR EVENT
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Join us in supporting black entrepreneurs and driving diversity in business!
We would like to invite your organization to become a sponsor of the 2023 SF Black MBA Regional Pitch Challenge and help us promote diversity, inclusion, and supplier diversity in the business community. Please visit our Regional Pitch Challenge Sponsorship Page to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Past Sponsors:
