Entrepreneurs Conference: Savvy Startup Founders Pitch for $10,000

At the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, sponsored by Nationwide, entrepreneurs vyed for a chance to get $10,000 for their businesses via the Elevator Pitch Contest. Ten contestants faced a panel

forwp-incontent-custom-banner ampforwp-incontent-ad1"> of judges that included Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., president and CEO of Black Enterprise, Amanda Miller Littlejohn of AML Consulting and Shark Tank executive Rodney S. Sampson, answering questions and pushing for votes via social media to get capital.

From a company touting gluten-free treats to another entrepreneur seeking capital to expand her hand sanitizer attachment innovation for hospitals, pitches hit a diversity of markets and industries.

At the end of the night, Naturalicious came out the victor, with a pitch that included an all-inclusive natural haircare kit with a patent pending product that will cut down wash days for naturalistas by hours. Supporters took to Twitter to vote for their favorite pitches and this haircare company stood out among the rest for the win.