Introducing… our 2019 finalists for The Big Pitch presented by PNC!
On Saturday, November 23, five Big Pitch finalists will vie for a share of $50,000 in cash and professional services prize packages, as they pitch their business models to a panel of judges, potential investors, and a live audience (that’s you—buy your tickets now!). Big Pitch finalists are paired with mentors and service providers to help them prepare a successful business model and perfect pitch for the annual competition organized by REV Birmingham.
Now, let’s meet the 2019 Big Pitch finalists:
- The Blueroot Company: Jennifer Ryan fills her produce-forward menu with bright, delicious, and nutrient-rich foods, showcasing the best our local farmers have to offer.
- Elysian Gardens: William and Kelly Colburn of Iron Age Studio are planning a community sculpture park in Avondale where art, music, & food connect neighbors, build bridges, and open doors in our city.
- Encore Rouge: Antoinne and Shantale Davis are serving bold flavorful authentic Cajun fare from their food truck as they work toward opening their brick-and-mortar restaurant.
- Relaxation Room: Massage therapist Adrian Ward has plans to create the Relaxation Room, where you can sit in a massage chair, put on virtual goggles, and take a trip to a peaceful place.
- Sidekicks: Bonaventure Akinlosotu and Joseph Bradley of Sidekicks in Avondale are driving Birmingham’s sneaker culture as they aim to grow their shop into a boutique-style smart store.
“This year’s finalists represent an exciting mix of food, retail and experience creation concepts that would all add to Birmingham’s vibrancy,” said REV CEO and President David Fleming. “The Big Pitch Presented by PNC is designed to find and feed Birmingham’s next big things, and we believe all five of these businesses fit that build. Throughout the Big Pitch process and even beyond the live event, REV and our sponsors, mentors and service providers will support these entrepreneurs as they work toward their dreams.”
The Big Pitch live competition is Saturday, November 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1900 2nd Avenue North, which is also the location of REV’s Upswing project from September through December. Big Pitch tickets are available now at bigpitchbham.com.
Each finalist has been paired with a local entrepreneur who will serve as a mentor throughout their Big Pitch experience. These mentors have either started, built or sold successful ventures of their own. Service providers are professionals in areas like business law, accounting, marketing and more who have been selected to provide a free one-on-one consultation to finalists.
This is the sixth year PNC has sponsored the Big Pitch. In addition to offering capital to the top competitors, PNC employees provide coaching and other support for all finalists.
Other sponsors include Poole & Company Architects and Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith. Gatehouse Law, Red Thread Consulting and TruFund are also contributing time and talents to support the entrepreneurs.
As they plan their Big Pitch, finalists will attend REV’s three technical assistance workshops, which are also open to the public. Tickets are available for aspiring entrepreneurs and growth-minded small business owners at bigpitchbham.com.
- Telling Your Brand Story | Friday, October 11 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Start-up to Storefront | Friday, October 11 | 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- Funding Your Dream | Friday, October 11 | 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Past Big Pitch finalists include Zebbie Carney of Eugene’s Hot Chicken, a food truck plus brick-and-mortar near Uptown; Kelli and Stephen Steward of Gatos and Beans, Alabama’s only cat café (in Avondale); and Kate Hardy of Square One Goods, a cheeky gift shop in Founder’s Station downtown.
For more details on The Big Pitch, visit bigpitchbham.com. Follow @revbham on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see updates on #REVBigPitch and more of REV’s vibrancy-driving work in Birmingham.
Related News
-
The Key Tool for Urban Revitalization: Downtown BHM's Business Improvement District
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
By the time REV took on BID management in 2018, downtown had a new set of needs from its BID. Downtown Birmingham in the ‘90s had a population mainly of 9 to 5 employees. But the downtown of 2018 had a whole new population of residents and visitors throughout the day and night. We had new opportunities to create positive experiences, inviting them into more downtown businesses and public spaces, and to keep them coming back for more.
-
Introducing the six businesses that call Nextec home
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
On the corner of 3rd Avenue and 16th Street North, you’ll find Nextec, a redevelopment of the 90-year-old, 65,000-square-foot Edwards Motor Company building (also formerly known as the Sticks ‘N’ Stuff building). With experience in historic renovation, developer Michael Mouron, chairman of Capstone Real Estate Investments, began this civic project in 2021 as a space for business startups to continue their work in the Magic City – a function encouraged by REV Birmingham.
-
Woodlawn Marketplace: Nurturing retailers, building community
Filed Under: Birmingham Food & Drink, Business-Proving, Family Friendly, Front Page, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business, Woodlawn, Woodlawn Street Market
Since autumn of 2021, Woodlawn Marketplace has stood tall in its place at 5530 1st Ave S. Originally planned as a month-long mini market experience featuring seasoned Woodlawn Street Market vendors, the project was met with such a positive reception that the REV team decided to press on and launch a larger, more permanent version. In the months following that decision, the space has undergone a transformation, evolving into a local retail incubator and café. Now, the heart and soul of the marketplace is supporting local businesses and building community in the historic Woodlawn business district.