We were truly impressed by the brilliance showcased at our 2024 Spring Pitch Competition! Talented and driven Hopeworks entrepreneurs unveiled their businesses to a panel of esteemed industry leaders. They received invaluable feedback and forged new connections, leading to exciting opportunities with potential customers.
The 1st place winner was Lola Ruiz, the founder of Lola’s Nail Cafe - a local nail business where she services clients with beautiful custom nail designs
The 2nd place winner was Jeremiah Reyes, the founder of PetalPods and FloraHouse, another young entrepreneur revolutionizing indoor gardening and creating unique party favors
The remaining three pitchers were each awarded $1,000 in funding for their business thanks to two incredibly generous donors!
Thank you to all of our participants - (Lola Ruiz, Anthony Cole, Nick Caraballo, Jeremiah Reyes, and Janiyah Gonzalez) who were confident enough to pitch their businesses, and humbly accept feedback on how to continue striving for success.
Thank you to our judges - (Ahmed Ali Bob, Wil Reynolds, Natalie Nieves, and Michelle Miller) for taking the time to support our young professionals and provide practical and authentic feedback to each one. Our alumni panelists - Charlene Newbill, Willem Schrieks, Natalie Nieves, and Raymond Alvira for providing real-life business advice to our Pitch Competition participants and audience.
Thank you to our incredible host Brad Aronson for hosting the competition, building the entrepreneurship ecosystem at Hopeworks, and helping to support and grow countless businesses in the Hopeworks community. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors - Block, Wasserman Properties, and NJM Insurance Group for the support!
Check out the entrepreneur's businesses below and please support
Lola - https://lnkd.in/erJvaMak
Anthony - https://lnkd.in/eTMdip6D
Jeremiah - https://lnkd.in/eFj-BGwD
Janiyah - https://lnkd.in/eC2EizRF
Nick - https://lnkd.in/e2PAqaeP
Helping disadvantaged young adults in the U.S. to overcome barriers to economic opportunity and secured sustained long-term employment Hopeworks was founded in New Jersey in 1999 to help young adults overcome barriers to economic opportunity and build sustainable futures. Most participants do not have college degrees, and 99% of them are unemployed when they join […]
$1.2M Commitment from The Hg Foundation Enables Hopeworks’ Expansion into Two New Cities The Hg Foundation, a grant-giving charity focused on improving tech education and skills, today announced a new $1.2 million partnership with Hopeworks, a U.S. social enterprise that supports young adults into long-term living wage careers. The partnership will enable Hopeworks to expand its […]
Check out our Camden office full of energy, creativity, and hustle at our Pop-Up Shop Lunch Event! Our incredible young adults showcased and sold their original art, handmade jewelry, delicious food desserts, and so much more. From eye-catching booths to mouthwatering treats, every table told a story of passion, talent, and entrepreneurship. Proud to support […]
