Entrepreneurs in the community presented their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of securing funding for their newest venture
Camden, NJ – April 18, 2024 – Hopeworks, a nonprofit, social enterprise that propels young adults ages 17 to 27 into long-term living wage careers, held its annual Spring Pitch Competition on April 13, at the organization’s Camden headquarters. The event was offered to Hopeworks trainees, interns, and alumni to pitch their business ideas and services to a panel of esteemed judges, for the opportunity to win cash prizes and funding for their entrepreneurial endeavors. The 2024 competition was a great success, with five entrepreneurs winning cash prizes and funding totaling $9,000.
After hearing pitches across a variety of industries from fashion and beauty to agriculture and culinary arts, the judges convened and selected a few exceptional ideas from entrepreneurs that stole the show:
“I'm incredibly grateful for the support and recognition from Hopeworks and all of the judges. This win is not just a personal victory, but a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in entrepreneurship. With this funding, I'm excited to take Lola's Nail Cafe to new heights and continue making a positive impact in our community” said first prize winner, Lola.
The generous contributions from Block, Inc. (Launch Sponsor), Wasserman Properties (Scale Sponsor), and NJM Insurance Group (Idea Sponsor), were instrumental in initiating the operations of these emerging businesses and facilitating invaluable networking opportunities. Following the pitch presentations, Hopeworks organized a vendor showcase, enabling entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.
“At Hopeworks, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. Our annual pitch competition serves as a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and receive the essential funding they need to bring their business dreams to life,” said Angel Serrano, Senior Director of Development at Hopeworks. “Through our annual pitch competition, we aim to level the playing field and create a space where all ambitious entrepreneurs can thrive. We believe that by investing in these innovators, we are not just supporting individual businesses, but also stimulating economic growth and driving positive change in our community.”
Hopeworks and all participants are exceptionally grateful for the time and consideration given by the moderator – Hopeworks board member and lead of Hopeworks entrepreneurship program Brad Aronson – and panel of judges:
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
###
About Hopeworks
Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Hopeworks’ unique mix of training, trauma-informed care, 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 web design and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and trauma-informed solutions through training and consulting services with the Hopeworks Training Team. These businesses help generate over 100 jobs a year, and lead to high-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in a growing tech industry.
Hopeworks’ unique combination has led to extraordinary results, with over 85% of young adults earning high-wage jobs at the end of their work experience with Hopeworks, and a 12-month retention rate of almost 90% at those jobs. Young adults entering Hopeworks are typically earning an average of $400 per year and after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $42,000 annually.
Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks
Gillian Scott: Gillian@redthreadpr.com
Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ – July 31, 2025 – Hopeworks, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering young adults to establish living wage careers, announces the launch of state-of-the-art AI Innovation Hubs at both of their facilities located in Philadelphia and Camden. The initiative, made possible by an in-kind donation of a DellAI Factory with […]
The future of work isn’t coming—it’s here. And it’s being shaped by AI, faster than most realize. When America set out to land on the Moon, it wasn’t just about exploration. It was about uniting public and private efforts around an audacious goal, proving that when we aim high, we can achieve the spectacular. The […]
Big things are happening, four young adults just stepped into new roles in public health, education, youth advocacy, and healthcare! Ready to hire the next generation of changemakers? Let’s connect and bring Hopeworks talent to your team.
