Hopeworks Entrepreneurs Wow Judges At 3rd Annual Pitch Competition!
Our 3rd Annual Pitch Competition was a major success! Our entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to a panel of industry leaders, gained insightful feedback, and even sold their products/services on site to family and friends after the event.
The 1st place winner was Natalie Nieves, the Founder of Bold Creations, a graphic design business and our 2nd place winner was Brianna Smith, the Founder of Kraftii Kouture, a handcrafted jewelry business. Every participant was also awarded $1,000 in funding for their business thanks to a generous donation!
Natalie, an intern in the Web Department, was only 15 years old when she started Bold Creations, making flyers for her friend’s house parties. Ever since, Bold Creations has flourished, expanded, and moved onto becoming a freelance graphic design business that specializes in branding. The funding she received from the competition will help her business grow in many ways.
“The Pitch competition has helped my business tremendously! I can now begin to look for office space to separate my work life from my home life. I ️can also officially invest into another brand photoshoot to take my content and work to the next level.”
Thank you to all of our participants (Nyree, Michael, Kyla, Peggy, Brianna, and Natalie ) - our incredible judges, and our sponsors - Holman Automotive, NJM Insurance Group, and Square for supporting our mission.
Several years ago, I was searching for restaurant jobs online with no clear direction, when a friend recommended Hopeworks. This nonprofit social enterprise is dedicated to training young adults in the technology fields that will propel them into living-wage careers. Before learning more about the Hopeworks program, I was skeptical that I would achieve success. […]
Bree can take time to celebrate now, but her journey to success wasn’t always smooth sailing. Despite a long history of healthcare experience, job opportunities dried up, leaving her feeling lost. But Bree was determined to chart a new course, and refused to let setbacks define her. With unwavering dedication and a willingness to ask […]
The work that we do here is centered around elevating the professional and personal lives of our young professionals, breaking the cycle of poverty, and placing amazing young adults in living wage permanent jobs! In the midst of doing that work, we are often recognized by publications, media, and other organizations. We truly appreciate any […]