Center for Entrepreneurship and Swisher International award $10,000 to underrepresented entrepreneurs
The University of North Florida’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), in partnership with Swisher International, hosted a pitch competition for the Swisher Growth Cohort for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs where $10,000 was awarded to competition winners.
The Swisher Growth Cohort is a free eight-week program designed for businesses operating for three to seven years or having a minimum of $20,000 in annual revenue.
The top six companies had the opportunity to compete for funding to support the development of their business at the pitch competition. The top three winners received $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. The 2022 Swisher Growth Cohort Pitch Competition winners include:
- 1st place: Felicia Wright with Mygani LLC - a lifestyle accessory brand that creates inspirational products for women and girls of color
- 2nd place: Dr. Monica Hardy with E’fek-tiv Enterprise, LLC – a professional consulting and writing service
- 3rd Place: Taylor Thigpen with Plantkingusa - an online horticulture business and local nursery in Clay County
All other Swisher Growth cohort members were recognized and had exhibit tables for guests to shop and inquire about their business. These entrepreneurs are Carla Lomack with Class Management Group LLC, Christina Padilla with Thrive Family Chiropractic, Dewitt Robinson with Robinson Excel, Inc, Jasmine Grant with Jazzed Up Treats and Sweets, Joseph J. Serrant with Jeltech Floor Measuring Service, Josh Moore & Siobhan Christman with Masterpiece Lifestyles Solar, Mariah Perryman with Faven Essentials, Meghan Barbera with Seductive Foods, Rachel Wall with Do Good Beauty, Sabrina Herrera Thomas with Florida Clinical Solutions Academy, LLC, Shakesha Gantt with Gantt Staffing Solutions, Shane Grindle with Integrative Med Group, T. R. with Richwood International, Tyrica Moore with TeaPosh Naturals and Vincent Candor with Solvency.
Swisher joined forces with UNF’s CEI to bring the region's first-ever, no-cost start-up program for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Participants work with the CEI to improve their business knowledge and growth plans through engaging workshops, speaker events and hands-on mentoring. All members receive business knowledge and a growth plan for their current or future business. More information on CEI can be found via the website.