Ten small local Black-owned businesses will compete Shark Tank-style March 15 in the We Are Black Pitch Competition at The Delta Athenaeum.
The annual pitch competition and Black business expo is hosted for the second year by G.I.F.T. (Generating Income for Tomorrow). Kansas City G.I.F.T. is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2020 to close the racial wealth gap in KC by awarding grants to Black-owned businesses in historically redlined and underserved neighborhoods.
G.I.F.T. usually only awards grants to businesses located between 9th St on the north to Bannister Road on the south, Troost on the west, and Hardesty Ave on the east. The pitch competition allows G.I.F.T. to expand its service boundaries to include Black-owned businesses anywhere in the KC area.
“We are thrilled to host the We Are Black Pitch Competition and provide a platform for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and ideas,” said Karis Harrington, G.I.F.T.’s Chief Program Officer. “This event is not just about winning money; it’s about building a strong Black economic ecosystem and supporting the growth of local businesses.”
The competition promises to be a showcase of creativity, determination, and innovation as entrepreneurs from various industries present their business pitches to a panel of esteemed judges. The grand prize winner will walk away with $30,000, while second and third place will receive $20,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Black-Owned Businesses Competing
- Mattie’s Foods – Founded by Arvelisha Woods & India Pernell, this sister-owned enterprise offers vegan comfort food through their food truck, cafe, and catering service.
- Smooth Body – Tanika Campbell‘s line of small-batch body care products aims to exfoliate and moisturize, promoting healthy smooth skin.
- The Black Pantry – Brian Roberts II‘s home goods and specialty shop in Martini Corner exclusively offers products from Black-owned businesses.
- Duffle Bag Apparel – Kei’Shaun Britton‘s apparel company focuses on wellness and empowerment.
- Cinns Cleaning – Cindi Corredor’s 24/7 home cleaning & service business provides home cleaning, landscaping, and car detailing services in the KC area.
- AGA Productions – Corey McCartney‘s film and music production company is based in Kansas City.
- The Blakk Co – Founded by Christina Williams and Tamela Ross, this membership-based social club & lounge caters to Black professionals.
- District Biskuits – Guroux Khalifa‘s fast-casual restaurant in North Kansas City specializes in fried chicken and homemade biscuits.
- KC Nails and Spa – Karina Colvon‘s salon in Raytown offers nails, lashes, body waxing, and hair braiding services.
- BLK + BRWN – Cori Smith‘s interactive ‘smart’ bookstore on 39th Street focuses on Black and Brown authors.
In addition to the pitch competition, attendees will have the opportunity to shop from small Black-owned businesses from the Kansas City area. The event will also feature a mini Black business expo/symposium.
“We want to encourage everyone to come out and support these businesses,” says Harrington. “Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a friend or family member of the contestants, or simply a community member, this event is for you.”
At the mini-expo, speakers will discuss problems facing small businesses, such as building loan readiness and business credit. Last year’s winner, Dayonne Richardson of Mirror Mirror Books, will also speak on overcoming challenges she’s experienced as an entrepreneur.
The We Are Black Pitch Competition is made possible by the support of individual donors. G.I.F.T. was founded on the belief that collective action can drive meaningful change. Attendance is free, and you can register at bit.ly/BlackPitchCompetition. To donate or learn more about Kansas City G.I.F.T., visit kansascitygift.org.
We Are Black Pitch Competition
Friday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delta Delta Athenaeum
900 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO
