Integrality is betting on small businesses to help sustain the economy and awarding capital to help them survive
Round 6 Pitch It! Business Pitch Competition
On Monday, July 8th, Integrality hosted an electrifying "Pitch It! Competition", part of the Start.Pivot.Grow. Accelerator initiative marked a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to bolster small business owners and innovative entrepreneurs amidst challenging economic times. Held at the new Dallas College Venture Club, this sixth iteration of the competition proved to be a melting pot of innovation, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Three standout businesses emerged victorious from a talented pool of seven Accelerator alumni, splitting a substantial grant of $37,500. These funds are earmarked to fuel their business growth, enhancing their offerings and solidifying their market presence. The event underscored the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem Start.Pivot.Grow. has nurtured in partnership with Dallas College since its inception in 2022.
Here's a closer look at yesterday's champions:
First Place: Digital Marketing Maven clinched the top spot and a $20,000 grant. This victory shines a spotlight on their innovative online web design platform, which empowers businesses with templates, digital media management training, and tools essential for crafting compelling brand and visual content. This investment could catapult the Maven to new heights—potentially doubling revenue in six months through onboarding 100 new users in 30-days, trademarking the innovative platform, or continuous app development.
Second Place: UrbanUndercover soared into second, securing $10,000. Their vision for an expanded retail and online presence in travel apparel, especially within additional airports and with new collections, presents an exciting growth trajectory. This infusion of funds could significantly bolster inventory or aid in scaling up operations, ensuring their unique apparel reaches more globetrotters.
Third Place: CardiacFitt garnered $7,500 for its pioneering healthcare tech SaaS model, focusing on preventive solutions for hypertension and heart disease patients. This achievement underscores the critical importance of innovation in healthcare, with the grant likely fuelling further development or expanding patient access to these life-saving technologies.
The event wasn't just about the competition. It was a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit, with attendees—a mix of community leaders, bankers, and partners like Integrality, Dallas College Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, The UPS Foundation, and Mad Mind Studios—showcasing their commitment to nurturing the business leaders of tomorrow.
Held at the Dallas College Venture Club, 1402 Corinth St., Suite 2300, attendees also enjoyed exquisite catering by Fabulux Catering by Chef Cassondra, alumni of the Accelerator, with Nevels Media capturing every memorable moment through their expert videography and photography.
The sixth round of the "Pitch It! Competition" has proven that even in challenging times, innovation, resilience, and community support can drive real change and progress. As these winners embark on the next stage of their business journeys, their achievements herald a promising future for the local economy and beyond.
Round 6 contestants included:
Micro Grant Award
Start.Pivot.Grow.'s quarterly micro-grant award winner was announced on Monday for a grand total of $40,000 awarded to four businesses. BPolished Beauty Supply, a local Addison-based business, was awarded a $2,500 working capital grant to cover rent, utilities, marketing, or accounting needs for the company.
Integrality is able to continue to support small businesses through larger investments of capital, education, tools and resources thanks to the public and private collaborations with Dallas College's Small Business Innovation Center, Dallas College Foundation, The UPS Foundation, and Wells Fargo Foundation.
Business owners in the retail, e-commerce, and franchise industries are invited to apply to the Start.Pivot.Grow. Accelerator Cohort 9 which starts August 12, 2024 where a pitch competition and graduation celebration will take place October 16, 2024. Applications open now.
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