2024 National Virtual Pitch Contest
10 Entrepreneurs Will Compete to Win Thousands in Cash & Prizes
JOIN US AND HELP US CHOOSE A WINNER
On August 14, 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. First and second place will be determined by a panel of judges and third place will be determined by the audience. With essential tools such as national exposure, coaching, funding, the latest technology and a community of supporters, the sky is the limit.
*Please note that 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
Krista Burk
Dell Technologies
Joel W. Patrick
Comerica Bank
Colette Hughes
National Entrepreneurs Association
Myles Powell
Myles Comfort Foods
Dr. Charnetta Williams
Picture Perfect Reads
Keynote Speaker
Ray Moulden, Founder of The Moulden Allstate Agency
Topic: How to be a Happier Entrepreneur
Ray Moulden is the owner of Allstate Moulden Agency and licensed to sell business, Auto, Home, Accident, Health and Life Insurance anywhere in the State of Michigan. He has more than thirty five years of combined marketing, sales, advertising, and customer service experience. His current focus is Small Business Insurance. He has one of the top Small Business Insurance agency's in Michigan.
Meet Our Top 10 Pitch Finalists
Annette Bentley-Smith | AnneCorp Literary Works | Atlanta Georgia
Annette Bentley-Smith, a Georgia-born children's book author, crafts imaginative stories for kids aged 6-12. As a wife, mother of two adult sons, and proud grandmother to Melody Rayne, her inspiration, Annette's journey spans various roles from cashier to virtual sales agent. Her true passion is writing for children and developing products like Kobe's Story-Time Plush-Tales, which promote connection, comfort, wellness, and education. Annette thrives in the quiet of her home but draws inspiration from everywhere, jotting down ideas on any available paper. With fourteen completed books, including a series centered around Kobe's Story-Time Plush-Tales published by AnneCorp Literary Works, she prefers writing on paper before typing, fostering a deeper connection with her narratives. Her mission is to educate, entertain, and transport children into enchanting adventures. Through her "Get Hooked on Mrs. Annie's Books" approach, she emphasizes comfort, wellness, and strengthening family bonds. www.storytimeplushtales.com
Arion Long | Femly | Baltimore Maryland
Arion Long is an award-winning innovator and currently serves as CEO or Chief Estrogen Officer at Femly. She is the mastermind behind a first-of-its-kind touchless pad and tampon vending machine, a game-changing innovation that is increasing period care access in restrooms across the nation. More than 25 states require access to period supplies in restrooms around the U.S. Unlike public faucets and hand dryers, Arion’s invention uses sensors that work for all skin tones and allow users to wave “hello” to access organic sanitary products from femly. https://www.femly.com
Christina Lefleur | Alcott's Attic Bookstore | Detroit Michigan
Christina Lefleur studied Library Science at the University of Maine at Augusta and Women's Entrepreneurship through Cornell University. She is a member of the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the Michigan Library Association, and the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association. She participated in the Cool Cities Initiative and worked doing event programming for a public library. She currently serves on the Educational Task Force and the Booksellers Advisory Council of the American Booksellers Association. www.alcottsattic.com
Dr. Erica Gamble | The Wig Doctor | Atlanta Georgia
I am Dr. Erica Gamble born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, now living in Atlanta GA. I have an earned Doctorate Degree in Organizational Behavior and Leadership as well as a (DHSc) Doctorate of Health Sciences with a concentration in Trichology. I am a trained Life Coach by the International Coaching Science Research and a (RYT )Registered Yoga Teacher. I am Married for almost 20 years with two sons ages 30 and 32. The Wig Dr. Wig Boutique, Mastectomy & Hair Loss Center was started in 2015. We are located in Marietta Georgia. We provide non-permanent, non-surgical hair loss solutions for everyone. We are not only a wig boutique, we offer mastectomy bras, breast forms, custom prosthetics, pre & post-surgery products & compression garments. We are board-certified Mastectomy fitters and an Accredited facility. We provide everyone with the most personal and private service in the most personal, private setting. www.wigdr.com
Joanna Lam | Project Beauty | Dallas Texas Third Place
Jo Lam is a resilient survivor of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Overcoming immense challenges as an immigrant, she transformed her life from being homeless and living in a shelter to becoming an inspiring nonprofit founder. Her harrowing journey of survival ignited her passion to help others facing similar traumas. Through her nonprofit, Project Beauty, Jo empowers trauma survivors by offering transformative beauty and self-care programs. Her unwavering dedication and personal experience have made Project Beauty a safe space for survivors, providing healing and support to those in need. Jo’s mission is deeply rooted in her belief that every survivor deserves to reclaim their self-worth and confidence. By providing a safe space and comprehensive support, Project Beauty helps survivors rebuild their lives with hope and dignity. Recently, Project Beauty received the prestigious recognition as "Social Innovator of the Year" in the Social Incubator Program by United Way Metropolitan of Dallas. www.theprojectbeauty.org
Malcolm Lee | Gabb Global | Los Angeles California
Malcolm is a graduate student in neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles. After teaching himself French, and Mandarin, he realized his passion for brain science and language learning. These unique life experiences fueled him to build GabbVR to help students learn new languages in six months. He has found product market fit in 33 independent schools. www.gabbglobal.com
Rebecca Bender | Little Bug| Gloucester Point Virginia
Meet Rebecca Bender, the heart and soul behind Little Bug – an online boutique offering unique, anxiety-relieving, and comfort-providing "unstuffed" plushies for kids. As a dedicated CEO, a loving mom of two, and military spouse, her experiences spurred the creation of Little Bug's signature lovies that feature a convenient pouch, allowing for the insertion of a shirt or fabric that carries the comforting scent of a parent. This special touch provides children with a sense of closeness, even when loved ones are distant. Recognized for excellence, Little Bug was recently named 2023 TOP CHOICE OF THE YEAR in the Baby Plush Lovie category by Baby Maternity Magazine and the 2023 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD in the Baby & Toddler Plush Products category by Creative Child Magazine. littlebugstore.com
Sophia M. Barnett | Making a Child Change| Detroit Michigan First Place
Sophia M. Barnett is a passionate social entrepreneur and the Executive Director of Making a Child Change Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering teens through financial literacy education, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial training. As a leader for over 20 years, Sophia has championed numerous projects including four enduring ventures of her own, coupled with a life-long commitment to imparting wisdom as a Financial Literacy Advisor, Licensed Minister, and certified National Entrepreneur. Under her guidance, the M.A.C.C. foundation has launched innovative programs like the Econopreneur Program and the M.A.C.C. Burger Employment Initiative, both of which have received recognition for their impact and effectiveness. Sophia's love for youth empowerment and commitment to improving Detroit's economic landscape are at the heart of the Making a Child Change mission! Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a culinary maestro and relishes her role as the cherished mother of three fearfully and wonderfully made young adults! makingachildchangefdn.org
Susie Moon| Super User Index | Baraboo Wisconsin Second Place
Susie Moon is an innovative entrepreneur with a passion for connecting people with resources. She developed the Super User Index as a tool to help small business owners find tech support based on the specific software they are using. Recognizing the challenges entrepreneurs face in mastering new tools while managing their business, Susie’s visionary ideas have streamlined the process of finding knowledgeable tech-savvy independent contractors and freelancers. Her commitment to solving puzzles and improving efficiency drives her entrepreneurial spirit. Susie’s previous corporate career in sales support equipped her with a diverse skill set in sales, marketing, and tech support. She understands the intricacies of running a business and focusing on what you are best at. In her spare time, Susie enjoys spending time with family, writing jokes, listening to Billy Joel, and visiting Kwik Trip convenience stores. https://superuserindex.com
Tafari Roberts | Rove Soapsheets | Detroit Michigan
Tafari Roberts is a Jamaican-American data guru and founder of Rove Soapsheets to address the lack of diversity in the hardtech and innovation spaces and grant access to hygiene products globally. With over eight years of technical sales and visual merchandising experience at Apple paired with a BS in Information Technology, Tafari is committed to bringing access to hygiene innovation and education via STEM to at-risk individuals. Growing up in Detroit's underserved Grixdale Farms community, she overcame numerous challenges. Rove Soapsheets was birthed after contracting a sudden respiratory infection February 2020 while abroad along with Detroit's COVID-19 surge that March. Rove Soapsheets are biodegradable papers that disappear completely into hand soap with water so you can wash your digits anywhere. These TSA compliant soapsheets are great for travel, school, camping, festivals, and on-the-go with up to 100 washes per pack making it the CDC's sweetest dream and contagion's worst nightmare. https://rovefreely.com
