Ten local Black-owned businesses will compete for $60,000 in prizes on March 29 at the Delta Athenaeum as G.I.F.T. (Generating Income for Tomorrow) will host its annual Pitch Black Business Summit, showcasing Black entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank-style competition.
The Pitch Black Business Summit is back for its third year and builds on G.I.F.T.’s mission to close the racial wealth gap by awarding grants to Black-owned businesses in historically underserved neighborhoods.
“We’re excited to continue our commitment to supporting the incredible talent and vision of Black entrepreneurs in Kansas City,” said Brandon Calloway, CEO and Co-Founder of Kansas City G.I.F.T.
The ten competing businesses span diverse industries, from food service to wellness, retail to martial arts. Five were selected by G.I.F.T.’s board of directors, with the other five chosen from a hat during a live Instagram drawing.
Black-Owned Businesses Competing:
- The Combine: A bar & grill specializing in pizza, sandwiches, and salads located at 29th & Troost in KCMO.
- The Black Pantry: A boutique shop at 31st & Gillham in KCMO, showcasing a curated selection of products exclusively from Black-owned businesses, including home goods, specialty foods, and daily essentials.
- In Good Company: An East Crossroads cocktail lounge offering an alternative to club chaos with a “good people, good drinks, good vibes” atmosphere, that’s exploring a membership-only model.
- The Mutual Musicians Foundation: Established in 1917, this historic foundation in the heart of the 18th & Vine Jazz District preserves KC’s rich jazz heritage by hosting live performances and educational programs.
- Civic Saint: A social venture founded by Godfrey Riddle that creates sustainable, ultra-affordable housing using compressed earth bricks (CEBs). The company aims to provide quality affordable homes in KC’s historically redlined neighborhoods.
- On The Rocks Gourmet Jams: Specializes in liquor-infused jams that blend premium spirits with fresh fruits, offering a unique and flavorful twist perfect for cooking, spreading, or garnishing.
- AIMwell Yoga: Striving to make yoga accessible to all communities, they offer classes throughout the KC metro area and partner with schools to introduce yoga to students.
- Hive + Harvest: A specialty coffee roaster and beekeeping venture dedicated to crafting exceptional coffee and producing sustainable local honey.
- Taylor Made It: Led by Taylor Hayes, the company offers sound design, podcast production, and consulting to help creators elevate their content including work on shows like “The Breakfast Club” with Charlemagne Tha God.
- Integrity Martial Arts Academy: Offers youth and adult programs that build confidence, self-discipline, and practical self-defense while fostering leadership and community engagement.
G.I.F.T. typically awards grants to businesses between 9th Street and Bannister Road, from Troost to Hardesty Avenue. But the pitch competition expands those boundaries to include Black-owned ventures throughout the KC area.
The local entrepreneurs will pitch to a panel of judges who will then choose winners. The grand prize is $30,000, while second gets $20,000, and third place will earn $10,000.
Last year’s competition featured standouts like Mattie’s Foods, a sister-owned vegan comfort food enterprise, and BLK + BRWN, an interactive bookstore focused on Black and Brown authors.
“Not only is this competition a vital opportunity for these businesses to access resources that will help them grow and thrive, but it also provides a space for our community of supporters to network and see the impact of our mission firsthand,” Calloway said.
Tickets to the pitch competition and business summit cost $10 and include lunch. Attendees can also shop from local Black-owned vendors and participate in business development classes designed for entrepreneurs of all levels.
Third Annual Pitch Black Business Summit
Delta Athenaeum at 900 E. Linwood, KCMO
Sat. March 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 ticket includes lunch
Tickets available at bit.ly/PitchBlackBizSummit
