Entrepreneurs From Clothing & Textile, Art, and Wellness Industries Showcased Their Businesses to a Panel of Judges for a Chance to Win Cash Prizes
Camden, NJ – November 21, 2024 – Hopeworks, a nonprofit, social enterprise that propels young adults ages 17 to 27 into long-term living wage careers, held its fall Pitch Competition on Saturday, November 16, at Rutgers Camden Campus Center in Camden, NJ. The event was offered to Hopeworks trainees, interns, and alumni to present their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, for the opportunity to be awarded funding for their businesses. The competition was a momentous occasion, with 3 entrepreneurs winning cash prizes and funding totaling $6,000.
Businesses pitched by the competition participants covered a wide range of industries including sustainable fashion and skincare. After hearing participants’ pitches, the judges convened and awarded the winners cash prizes for their exceptional ideas and future plans for their businesses:
“This competition is more than just a platform for pitching ideas—it's a launchpad for our participants' futures and a reflection of the incredible potential within our community,” said Angel Serrano, Senior Director of Development at Hopeworks. “We are thrilled to see such innovative ideas come to life and are committed to providing a space where entrepreneurs can showcase their talents and gain the support needed to make lasting impacts in their industries.”
Following the competition, Hopeworks hosted a Holiday Bazaar, where vendors from the Hopeworks entrepreneurship program and Pitch Competition had the opportunity to sell their goods and services to attendees.
"I'm incredibly grateful to Hopeworks, the panelists, judges, and moderator for this opportunity to expand my entrepreneurial endeavors and for believing in my vision,” said Yasmine. “This support is a huge step forward in turning my dreams into reality. I am excited to put my plans into action and see what the future holds for Devils Within Art."
Event sponsors include Block, Inc. (Launch Sponsor), Citizens Bank (Scale Sponsor), and Wasserman Properties (Scale Sponsor). Brad Aronson moderated the event and the judges included Scott Bentley, Founder of VideoRay and Bentley Systems, Natalie Nieves, Founder of Bold Creations, Wil Reynolds, Founder and CEO of SEER Interactive, Felicia Rinier, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy at Comcast, and Ryan Thomson, Assistant Vice President and Branch Leader at Truist Bank.
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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About Hopeworks
Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Hopeworks’ unique mix of training and real-world experience is what leads to extraordinary results. The approach, combined with high-demand, high-wage technical training and paid work experience is helping to build a workforce that can not only get the job, but keep it, transforming their lives and the lives of their families.
To provide this experience, Hopeworks runs real businesses, providing technology solutions for businesses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Revenue Cycle Management, and web design. These businesses help generate over 250 jobs a year, and lead to high-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in multiple industries.
Hopeworks’ unique combination has led to extraordinary results, with over 90% of young adults earning high-wage jobs at the end of their work experience with Hopeworks, and a 12-month retention rate of over 92% at those jobs. Young adults entering Hopeworks are typically earning an average of $286 per year and after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $43,000 annually.
Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks
Gillian Scott: Gillian@redthreadpr.com
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