Local First Arizona Celebrates We Rise Demo Day 2024, Honoring Black Entrepreneurship in Arizona
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MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Lomas, michelle.lomas@agital.com
Local First Arizona Celebrates We Rise Demo Day 2024, Honoring Black Entrepreneurship in Arizona
Winning business pitch received $10,000 from Arizona Financial in memory of late board member and community leader Kelvin Smith
Photos & B-roll: LINK
PHOENIX, AZ – June 27, 2024 – Local First Arizona proudly celebrates the success of its second annual We Rise Demo Day, an inspiring event dedicated to highlighting the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in Arizona. Held on Thursday, June 20 in Phoenix, the evening showcased the culmination of dedication, resilience, and innovation among the participants of the We Rise Business Accelerator program, specifically designed to empower Black small business owners and entrepreneurs.
The event highlighted the inaugural Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant, a $10,000 award established by Arizona Financial in partnership with Local First Arizona and the We Rise program. Named in honor of Kelvin Smith, a respected member of the Arizona Financial board known for his profound support of the local business community, the grant aims to support the growth and sustainability of local Black-owned businesses. The winner also received an additional $5,000 from an anonymous donor honoring Kelvin Smith's enduring legacy. Event co-sponsor Growth Partners Arizona contributed $10,000 for awards and event costs.
“We Rise Demo Day not only celebrates entrepreneurship but also addresses the systemic challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in accessing capital and resources," said Carmen Attikossie, who directs Local First Arizona's We Rise Business Accelerator. "Through partnerships with Arizona Financial Credit Union and Growth Partners Arizona, we are committed to bridging the equity gap and nurturing a thriving ecosystem for Black-owned businesses."
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards, including the Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant, to the pitch competition winners. The winner received the Grant and an
additional $5,000 from an anonymous donor honoring Kelvin Smith.
First Place - $15,000: Antoinette Mendez | Mission 2 Transition LLC
Mission 2 Transition, LLC is an education consulting company dedicated to empowering minority youth and families through personalized college and career planning services, celebrating diversity, and fostering individual success.
Second Place - $5,000: Jamila Graham | NDUR Athletics
Ndur is a size-inclusive activewear brand that caters to every "body" in life and the gym.
Third Place - $2,500: Jessica Baker | Pink Sky Photo Booth
Pink Sky Photo booth is a subsidiary of Pink Sky Productions, which provides a variety of upscale photo booth experiences for event hosts and hostesses seeking to impress and entertain at their next event.
"We are deeply honored to be part of an event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of local entrepreneurs," said Amy Hysell, President and CEO of Arizona Financial. "Kelvin Smith's legacy of community support and economic empowerment is perfectly reflected in this event, and witnessing the enthusiasm and innovation of the participants is truly inspiring. This experience reaffirms our commitment to supporting small businesses and the We Rise program."
We Rise Demo Day 2024 drew a diverse audience of community leaders, business owners, and supporters of economic equity, underscoring the importance of inclusive economic development. Attendees engaged in networking opportunities and were inspired by the participants' personal stories of passion and perseverance. The evening was further enriched by the presence of the Smith family, who witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of Kelvin Smith’s legacy.
Local First Arizona extends its gratitude to all partners, participants, and attendees who contributed to the success of We Rise Demo Day 2024. For more information about Local First Arizona and its initiatives, please visit localfirstaz.com.
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About Local First Arizona
Local First Arizona is dedicated to unleashing economic opportunity for Arizonans. We are a nonprofit community and economic development organization that boasts the largest local business coalition in the U.S. We deploy our innovative programs across the state to empower entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to succeed and communities to thrive. We call on all Arizonans to be champions of our state. Because our state is our story. Join us at localfirstaz.com to help build Arizona's future.
About Arizona Financial Credit Union
Arizona Financial is a $3.3 billion not-for-profit financial cooperative providing consumer and small business banking services and expertise to more than 165,000 member/owners. Founded in Arizona in 1936, the credit union empowers members to take hold of their financial future through the delivery of leading-edge self-service tools and mobile apps, competitive rates on loans and deposits, robust home loan solutions, identity protection services, and SBA and
commercial loans. Arizona Financial has a history of local community involvement and is the sponsor of the Live Nation Theatre venue and exclusive credit union partner of the Phoenix Rising FC. The credit union has 20 locations across metro Phoenix and western Arizona and is part of the CO-OP network that provides members nationwide account access at 5,000 credit union branches and 30,000 ATMs. Deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
For more information: ArizonaFinancial.org.
About Growth Partners Arizona
Growth Partners Arizona is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to building an inclusive economy for local nonprofits and small businesses. We believe that closing the racial wealth gap is achieved by ensuring underserved communities have access to wealth generating opportunities and resources. As a local CDFI we are committed to removing barriers that inhibit access to capital, eliminate predatory lending, and contribute to a thriving economy that works for all. Learn more at growthpartnersaz.org.