2024 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition Now Accepting Applications

WEST DES MOINES, IA (December 12, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications starting Tuesday, December 12 for the 2024 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit pitch competition, brought to you by exclusive pitch competition partner Bank of America. The application submission deadline is Wednesday, January 31, 2024, by 5 p.m.

“Bank of America Iowa is honored to again partner with the West Des Moines Chamber to showcase emerging businesses in our community,” said Annie Brandt, senior vice president, market executive, Bank of America Iowa. “The pitch competition, which I am co-chairing this coming year, provides minority-owned businesses a platform and opportunity to further their business ambition.”

Applicants to the 2024 Athene BBBS pitch competition must be 51% minority-owned, have been in business for at least two years, and be a for-profit business. Those selected will be invited to participate on April 18 and 19 in small business workshops featuring area experts. Applicants also have the opportunity to win part of a cash prize given to the companies with the best pitches. Over the last three years, pitch competition winners have received a total of over 100 thousand dollars in prize money. Check presentations are on the 19^th.

The 2023 pitch competition saw 8 minority businesses participate, with eight of them winning cash prizes. Winners included Louisiana Creole Pecan Candy at first place winning $20,000, QuikLiq in second place winning $15,000, and The Joy of Curls LLC in third place winning $10,000. Additional pitch finalists received $1,000 including Bri’s Dance Place, Coffee For a Cause, Four Corners Coalition, Manifest Your Purpose, and Kut Kings.

"The summit had a significant impact on both myself and Louisiana Creole Pecan Candy. It marked my debut in pitching, fostering new friendships, and culminating in the completion of our Creole-ish BBQ Sauce,” said Terrence Jones, COO and Founder of Louisiana Creole Pecan Candy. “Personally, I believe the summit affirmed that I am on the right path."

Those interested in applying to participate in the 2024 Athene BBBS pitch competition can view the application here. Learn more about the Athene BBBS and purchase tickets here.
 
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About the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit:
The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit is an annual event dedicated to providing a platform for Black and Brown professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share insights, inspire change, and foster connections. The summit serves as a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and collaboration within the community.

About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is to champion all things West Des Moines by strengthening our area companies, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top workforce to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. With nearly 800 members, we provide something for everyone. Learn more about the chamber and how to get involved at wdmchamber.org.

Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in, and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer, and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. www.bankofamerica.com