October 7(Newark)The 30 Start Something Challenge semi-finalists were recognized in a kick-off event last night at the Great Oaks Charter School in Newark, NJ. The competitors, who progressed from an initial pool of 107 entrepreneurs from throughout New Jersey, are one step closer to the $10,000 first prize of this business pitch competition organized by Rising Tide Capital.
To enter the Challenge, each competitor submitted 30-second video pitches about their businesses or business ideas into one of five business sectors. The six competitors in each sector with the most video views moved on to the semifinals stage of the competition. The entrepreneurs used various online and offline marketing tools to drive traffic to view their videos. They generated a total of over 60,000 views for the video pitches.
“We were very impressed–not only with the quality of the submissions but also the diversity of ideas received during the Start Something Challenge,” said Alfa Demmellash, CEO of Rising Tide Capital,the nonprofit organization behind the Start Something Challenge.
During the event, Kimberlee S. Williams CEO and marketing director of FEMWORKSan innovative and award-winning Newark based communications agencydelivered the keynote address. The event also featured remarks from Robert Provost, marketing director of theThe Star Ledger, Darryl Godfrey executive VP of Small Business Development, Brick City Development Corporation, Elliot Lee VP/Relationship Manager North East Region of JPMorgan Chase, and Robert Weiss, head of JP Morgan Private Bank for New Jersey. The lead sponsor for the Start Something Challenge is JPMorgan Chase.
“The Start Something Challenge didn’t come together overnight, JPMorgan Chase has been there all along, supporting our mission and entrepreneurs from the very beginning,” said Demmellash.
The 30 entrepreneurs’ videos will be hosted on the Start Something Challenge website for public viewing and voting between October 23 andNovember 6, 2013. Ten finalists will participate in a live pitch event in Jersey City onNovember 18to determine the three winners who will win cash prizes at Start Something Champions Gala onDecember 10. For more information on Start Something Challenge events, click here.
“I feel fantastic! If it wasn’t for the Start Something Challenge (SSC) I wouldn’t have used Animoto to create that 30-second video. Since my submission into the SSC, I’ve created 5 videos for clients looking to advertise their business. Recently, I also conducted a business call with a potential client in Australia looking to market their business. I am winner, because I learned an important skillet that has been an asset to my current business,” said semi-finalist BJ Dowlen of Bodyworks Enterprises, LLC.
Here is a complete list of the 30 semi-finalists:
FASHION & BEAUTY SECTOR
Gerardo Giannetti – Gerardo P. Giannetti
Argery Giavasis – F.A. Jewelry Company
Belinda Mcguire – The Lenguire Institute Of Fashion, Inc.
Tiffany Perry – Bodycafe
Nia Reid-Allen- Myrtle & Flossie
Nicole Silva – Dollymoo
ARTS, CRAFTS, & ENTERTAINMENT
Cherese Bracey – Reading Reaps Rewards
Sandra Charlap – The Craft Loft
Evan Feil – Mountables
Angela Huggins – Angel Hugs 4 All
Ivy Jaquez – Gypsy Shoppe
Isabel Veguilla – Little Frog Studios
FOOD
Charnelle Bain- Simply Elegant Events
Latasha Brown – Chameleon Skies Room
Lauren Hudak – Cake A Bake
Vance Lavington – Not Just Cookies
Elizabeth Migliore – Jersey City Veggie Burgers
Caren Trice – Sea’s Food
PUBLIC, SOCIAL, & HEALTH
Margaret Abrams – Remember Me
Chris Bickle – Healthy Help
Bj Dowlen – Bodyworks Enterprises, LLC
Alisa Geller – Great Helm Technologies, LLC
Rahim Stennett – From Newark With Love
Amy Williamson – Food For The Soul Train
OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Christopher Akparanta – Campusbord
Michael Amegashie – Gashie
Kendra Beelen – KGB Fitness Inc.
Coretta Owusu – Asuitestay
Jorge Rojas – Boutmaster System
Geeta Trikha – Geeta Davis Llc
