Eligibility Criteria
-18 years of age or older
-Citizen or legal resident of the United States
-Majority Black-American ownership
-Operating for 0- 5 years
-Raised less than raised $100,000 to date
-All industries are eligible
*No Application fee for Entrepreneur and Small Business Members of Black Connect. Become a member at Blackconnect.org/join.
*Non-Members: $50 application fee
Judging Criteria
Market Potential and Business Model & Sustainability
-Ability of the idea to generate revenue
-Competitiveness, barriers to entry, first-mover advantages etc
-Scalability
Innovation and Industry Disruption
-Evidence of innovative advances in product, service, application, adoption etc
-Potential to disrupt the relevant industry
-Value proposition
Team Background and Strength
-Background of founders
-Capabilities and expertise to execute the business plan
-Passion, ambition, vision, culture
Social Impact
-Contribution to the advancement of the Black community
-Contribution to the advancement of wider society
Presentation
-Clearly articulate the company mission and vision
-Accurately describe products/services
-Ability to engage audience
Exposure-Advice-Access
What do you win?
You can have the best idea in the world, but you won’t get far if no one knows about it. Sometimes it just comes down to who you know and who you meet along the way. Every chance for exposure is an opportunity for growth that every entrepreneur should seize. Enjoy the exposure to professionals, entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors and customers.