Topeka,
KS — The
Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka are excited to announce four winners
were selected from participants of the 2023 Equity and Opportunity Pitch
Competition held Thursday evening in downtown Topeka. The pitch contest offered
a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to present
their innovative ideas to some of the area’s business decision makers,
competing for a portion of the $38,000 prize pool.
Eleven
entrepreneurs and new business owners participated in Thursday’s pitch contest.
Taking home first place was Chef Lamona Scroggins, who pitched her frozen gumbo
product that will soon be offered in local grocery stores. Chef Lamona is well
known for her gumbo and will offer chicken and sausage gumbo; a shrimp, chicken
and sausage option; as well as a vegetarian option. Her frozen gumbos may be
taken home and prepared according to directions, making her coveted creole
cuisine even more accessible. Scroggins secured $15,000 from the pitch contest
to make that expansion into stores possible.
The
following pitch contest winners were also recognized:
- 2nd
place – The Grind Coaching & Consulting, Fatima Luthi for a new mobile
app ($10,000)
- 3rd
place – Paletas Royale ice cream, Estaban Polanco ($8,000)
- 4th
place – Topeka Treats, Jaime Davis ($5,000)
“Congratulations
to all our winners this year! There were some truly amazing presentations from
people across the community, and I couldn’t be prouder to see women and
minority entrepreneurs stepping up to represent and take advantage of this
special opportunity,” said Glenda Washington, chief equity and opportunity
officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “One of our goals with this pitch
contest has been to help bridge the gap that exists for many diverse
entrepreneurs when it comes to accessing capital. I’m happy to say we’ve done
that, while providing greater exposure to entrepreneurship for some and
increased visibility of disadvantages many minority entrepreneurs continue to
face today. This event is a win for Topeka and Shawnee County.”
The
2023 Equity and Opportunity Pitch Competition brought together local business
leaders and optimistic newcomers for an evening of meaningful presentations and
business dialogue. Cash prizes awarded to winners are expected to provide both
startup capital and funds to expand current operations.