Camden, NJ- In a special presentation during LAEDA’s Annual graduation, the winners of the fourth LAEDA-Citizens Bank Small Business Pitch Competition were announced. The competition, open to LAEDA alumni as well as recent graduates, gave prizes totaling $10,000 to individuals who successfully completed either the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) or Women’s Business Academy (WBA). Two (2) prizes were awarded to past EDTP/ WBA alumni and one (1) prize was awarded to a recent participant of the nine-week program.

The competition consisted of two rounds where round one consisted of making a compelling case on how the prize money will help the business get to the next level. There were over twenty-five (25) applicants who jumped at the chance to advance to round two and get one step closer to receiving money for their business. In a grueling process, eleven (11) business owners were selected to move to round two. During round two, entrepreneurs not only received training on advanced business topics but also had the opportunity to pitch their business to representatives from Citizens Bank.

The competition finalists represented a wide range of industries ranging from an adult event space & lounge to an array of vision boards. Finalists included Marcela Tapiero (Your Dreamwall), Ronda Mendez (Flowers by Menez & Jackal), Osiris Jamaal Jackson (Safe and Sound Stewards), Jimill Williams (The GreenRoom Adult Game Room & Lounge), Brittani Guy (BCA Digital), Marlene Roberts (MarkD Beauty and Wellness), Michelle Martinez (Totan Contracting), Tomeia Thorton (Munchies Amazing Sweets), Angel Ramos (Seek Pest Solutions), Hadassah Lee (Hair Linkx), T’Kemia Gibson-Daniels (Abkinah’s Islamic Boutique), and Kashana Waples (Juice Capitol)

Due to great pitches and innovative ways to spend the prize money, these finalists made it very difficult for the judges to determine a winner in each category. Citizens judges Terry Goggans, Steven Gomez, and Dragana Jovanovic soon chose winners to be announced in a special presentation during the 2024 graduation ceremony. During the presentation, Judge Steven Gomez, Community Development Market Manager stated, “Congratulations to everyone… We just wanted to say that each one showed us how impactful your business is not just in the lives of your families but also in the communities you serve.” Gomez’s colleague and fellow judge Terry Goggans, Associate Relationship Manager added, “As a second year judge, I am always amazed when I hear the pitch presentations. They have consistently made it difficult for me to choose a winner; but, that is a good thing!”

After much anticipation, the winners of the competition were announced:

First place went to Marcela Tapiero of Your Dreamwall
Second place went to Marlene Roberts of MarkD Beauty and Wellness
Third place went to our most recent alumnus Angel Ramos of Seek Pest Solutions

LAEDA would like to thank all of the participants in the competition and look forward to bringing more opportunities like these to our alumni in the future.