West Des Moines Chamber Extends Deadline for Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition Applications

WEST DES MONES, IA (February 1, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the application period for the 2024 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit pitch competition, presented by exclusive pitch competition partner Bank of America. Applications will be accepted until Saturday, February 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. 

“It is our commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship, this extension aims to provide more opportunities for minority-owned businesses,” said Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the WDM Chamber. “Our mission is to increase access and create an environment where these businesses can thrive. This step has been taken to ensure that all entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds have a chance to thrive.” 

Pitch competition applicants must meet certain criteria, including being 51% minority-owned, in business for at least two years, and operating as a for-profit business. Those selected will be invited to participate in small business workshops featuring area experts on April 18-19 and have the chance to compete for cash prizes awarded to the companies with the best pitches. Over the past three years, pitch competition winners have collectively received over $100,000 in prize money. 

In 2023, eight minority-owned businesses participated in the pitch competition and received cash prizes. Louisiana Creole Pecan Candy claimed the first-place prize of $20,000; followed by QuikLiq in second place, winning $15,000; and The Joy of Curls LLC in third place, winning $10,000. Other pitch finalists, including Bri’s Dance Place, Coffee For A Cause, Four Corners Coalition, Manifest Your Purpose, and Kut Kings, each received $1,000. 

For those interested in applying for the 2024 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit pitch competition, the application can be found here. Additional information about the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit and ticket purchases can be accessed 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 West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 800 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.Top of Form 

About 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