2024 National Virtual Pitch Contest
10 Entrepreneurs Compete to Win Thousands in Cash and Prizes
JOIN US AND HELP US CHOOSE A WINNER!
On April 17, 2024 at 5pm Eastern on Zoom entrepreneurs from across the US will pitch their business ideas at the 2024 National Virtual Pitch Contest presented by National Entrepreneurs Association in partnership with Dell Technologies. Contestants will deliver 3 minute pitches for a chance to win thousands in cash and prizes. This pitch was created because it takes more than funding to succeed in business. With essential tools such as national exposure, coaching, funding, the latest technology and a community of supporters, the sky is the limit.
*Please note event start times vary according to time zone. NEA operates on Eastern time.
PRIZE PACKAGES
1st place is a $3000 cash prize, a free Dell computer and a one year membership to the National Entrepreneurs Association! (judges choice)
2nd place is a $1000 cash prize and a one year membership to the National Entrepreneurs Association! (judges choice)
3rd place is a $1000 cash prize and a one year membership to the National Entrepreneurs Association. (audience choice)
PITCH FACILITATOR
Dr. ZaLonya Allen, President of National Entrepreneurs Association
Dr. ZaLonya Allen is President/CEO of the National Entrepreneurs Association, a 501c3 non-profit corporation created to empower entrepreneurs to grow and sustain successful businesses through monthly networking events, training conferences and educational programs. In partnership with Comerica Bank and Dell Technologies, NEA offers the only national entrepreneur certification program of its kind led by experienced entrepreneurs and college professors. As a speaker Dr. Allen has delivered hundreds of presentations for organizations throughout the country. As a leadership and entrepreneurial coach she has worked with professionals in a variety of industries from corporate executives to professional athletes. Using the principles of psychology, Dr. Allen helps her clients master their mindset and get on a path to goal attainment.
PITCH JUDGES
Ross Sanders
Director of Entrepreneurship
Lawrence Tech University
& NEA Board Member
Yule John Lin
Senior Program Manager
Dell Technologies
Jackie Woodard
Executive Vice President
Lending & Trade Services Comerica Bank
Laura Cobb Hayes
The Learning Network
2023 NEA Dell Pitch Winner
(Audience Vote)
Michael Wynn
Habit Success Strategist,
Financial Expert & Coach
Coach Win, LLC
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Tanisha Taylor, Financial and Life Coach
Topic: Beyond the Eclipse: Igniting Passion in the Darkness
Tanisha Taylor is an inspirational financial, life, and ministry wellness leader. A childhood money encounter with her grandfather created a curiosity for financial matters. She discovered the impact of money on the lives of individuals. She has since dedicated her life to helping others create healthy and sustainable relationships with money and business without fearing failure. She is the Founder & CEO of Tanisha Taylor Coaching Training & Resource Center, the exclusive virtual community. Her mission: Control your money relationship.
MEET OUR TOP 10 PITCH FINALISTS
Dr. Charnetta Williams | Picture Perfect Reads |Atlanta Georgia 3rd
Dr. Charnetta Williams is a dedicated mom of two, board-certified OBGYN, Medical Epidemiologist, and emerging children’s book author. Her passion for women’s health extends to nurturing children with vital life lessons through the art of storytelling. Based in Atlanta, GA, her venture, Picture Perfect Reads produces children’s books that prioritize diversity and representation, ensuring kids of color feel not just acknowledged but truly celebrated. Through her debut book, "Penelope and the Power of Positivity," Dr. Williams empowers children to navigate obstacles and embrace their inherent potential. As a woman of color, she infuses her books with personal experiences, fostering empathy and resilience in young minds. Dr. Williams believes that every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of the stories we share with them, leaving an indelible impression on young readers and enriching their perception of a beautifully diverse world. https://pictureperfectreads.com
Rhonda Cammon| Perfectly Cordial |Nashville Tennessee
Rhonda Cammon, the visionary behind Perfectly Cordial, revolutionized the beverage industry with an award-winning, fruit-first mixer that simplifies inclusive drinking through a straightforward 2 to 1 recipe. This innovation not only elevates craft beverages and mocktails but also brings ease to consumers' experience. Transitioning from a commendable 20-year career in nursing, Rhonda's entrepreneurial journey is driven by her passion for fostering community and promoting healthy consumption habits. Her remarkable work has garnered features across prestigious publications and national television, highlighting her influence and reach. Celebrities such as Cardi B, Mickey Guyton, and Brett Eldrige have relished Perfectly Cordial's unique flavors, attesting to its widespread appeal. Further extending her impact, Rhonda collaborates with esteemed organizations including Vanderbilt University, Buy From A Black Woman, and the James Beard Foundation, advocating for women and minorities within the food and beverage sector. https://www.perfectlycordial.com
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Gregory Gershman| Salesium |Albany New York
Gregory Gershman is the Co-Founder of Salesium a unique small business marketplace. He has 30 years of management experience with both large and small companies, including building 2 successful small businesses from scratch and now a world-beater with Salesium. Our goal is to build a stronger, safer, more financially viable community through deep connections between the people that work in and operate small businesses and their neighbor customers. https://salesium.com
Jasmine Johnson | Parent Co |Chicago Illinois
I'm Jasmine Johnson, CEO of ParentCo. Grewing up in Chicago's southside Englewood neighborhood, no one expected me to be a business owner let alone an INVENTOR! I'm now proud to say I have been featured in FORBES and just got my first Purchasing Order(PO) from the biggest retailer in the world WALMART. My Outlet Covers saves kids lives and solves a problem parents have faced for over 30 Years! The idea started because I encountered a problem. Each year 2,400 kids are shocked/burned from sticking objects into electrical outlets, 6 to12 of those incidents results in death, and the Standard used Outlet Plugs were more of a Hassle than Help! I forget to put them back in, they got lost and stepped on(ouch), and worst they're CHOKE HAZARDS, all these issues ParentCo solved. My goal is to become a National Brand and have the NEW standard used Outlet Covers. https://www.parentco.com
Nina Smith| Fri Period |Chicago Illinois 1st
Nina Smith is the founder of Fri Period, a company on a mission to make periods better through their range of supremely comfortable period underwear made in the US without using PFAS or other nasty chemicals. She started Fri Period because she wanted an easier and healthier way to manage her period, and was horrified to learn that nearly 20 billion single-use period products end up on landfill each year in the US alone. Nina has a 15-year career in business development and marketing for professional services firms, and an academic background in law. She has lived and worked in eight countries across four continents, and when she's not working on Fri Period enjoys spending time with her family and writing fiction.
Sophronia McKenzie| visuEats |Deerfield Beach Florida
From humble beginnings to tech mogul: Sophronia McKenzie's journey is a testament to grit and vision. Migrating from Kingston, Jamaica to South Florida with just $100, she defied odds and quickly turned a door-to-door commission-based sales job into a lucrative career in 2013. Transitioning to the tech industry in 2015, she honed her skills as a software project manager. Today, as CEO of visuEats, she's disrupting the gastronomy industry with innovative solutions. Inspired by a simple conversation, her company offers precise menu imagery and AI driven tools, transforming our dining experience. Sophronia's story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities. https://visueats.com
Naman Gupta| EzOut | Boston Massachusetts
Naman Gupta is a the co-founder of EzOut. EzOut enables understaffed grocers to increase shopper engagement and the store's revenue by using smart shopping carts. His past experience at NSF I-Corps for his former startup has taught him methods to design and test business models. Naman has a vision to bring innovation to underdeveloped sectors. Learning about the lack of innovation in the grocer industry got him even more excited to revolutionize the way we shop for groceries and help the industry. ezout.store
Dr. Juliette Nelson| NURILENS |Washington, DC
Dr. Juliette Nelson is a transdisciplinary industrial-organizational psychologist, entrepreneur, and published researcher/author passionate about empowering people to achieve the highest standards of their purpose. She founded NURILENS out of her love for fashionable eyewear and a need for affordable vision solutions. As an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), she works with a cross-disciplinary team to apply evidence-based approaches to addressing eye health disparities in marginalized communities and underrepresentation in the eye care profession. Reflecting on her journey to celebrate her identity and live out her purpose, through NURILENS, she encourages others to do the same. https://nurilens.co
Myles Powell | Myles Comfort Foods |McClean Virginia 2nd
Myles Powell’s career began as a civil engineer shortly after graduating the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with a business minor. However, he quickly realized his passion for food entrepreneurship. After a short Food Network stint, he launched his first business, 8 Myles. For three years following the launch, Myles continued to work as a full- time entreprenrur while completing his Masters in Business Administration program and growing his business. In Mid 2018, Myles decided to shift the core of his business to fulfill a market void, premium, clean, frozen comfort food. Following this shift, Myles continued to grow the business. In 2021, he left his full time engineering career behind to soley focus on his budding empire. His passion, dedication, and vision for his company has allowed him to scale his business efficiently. He has grand plans to fulfill his dream of being one of the only black-owned business in CPG valued at over $200M. https://www.mylescomfortfoods.com
Eric Moyal| Project Insulin | Providence Rhode Island
Before founding Project Insulin, Eric Moyal was a fundraiser at Brandeis University and helped coordinate the 2020 & 2021 Giving Tuesday Campaigns that raised over $2,000,000. Eric is on the Board of Directors and chair of the communications committee at Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association. He has spent the past three years raising money and awareness for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and gave a TEDx talk in 2020 about how to be a better ally to people with chronic illnesses. https://projectinsulin.org
