Ten finalists in Rising Tide Capital's business pitch challenge competed for three grants totaling $25,000 Thursday night.
A Jersey City-based entrepreneurship organization awarded business grants to two local women and one from Teaneck in the finale of its annual Start Something Challenge.
Ten finalists in Rising Tide Capital's business pitch challenge competed for three grants totaling $25,000 Thursday night. Each entrepreneur delivered a five-minute pitch about their business before a group of nine judges representing New Jersey business and government leaders, as well as an audience of about 125 friends, supporters and community organizations.
At the end of the evening, three winners were announced.
Denise Woodard, of Jersey City, was awarded the $10,000 first place prize for her business, Vivi's Life, which she developed out of a need to find allergen-free baby food for her child.
"I feel so proud and excited," Woodard said. "I feel proud that my hard work and preparation paid off and that my idea for Vivi's Life is validated. I also feel so excited for the future of Vivi's Life. I know firsthand that there's a need for allergy-friendly, healthy kids foods and am passionate about making them accessible to all kids and families."
Tina Tang, also of Jersey City, took home the $7,500 second place prize for her business Iron Strong Jewelry -- fitness inspired jewelry that celebrates significant moments in women's lives.
Coming in third and winning $5,000 was Racquel Clarke, of Teaneck, whose social enterprise Fit FUNd underwrites community fitness programs through the work she does with small and mid-sized corporations.
"Tonight's finalists are a group of truly inspiring entrepreneurs who have shown us firsthand the wealth of creativity, innovation and fortitude that is alive and well in neighborhoods and communities around the state," said Chun-Lung Lim, senior software quality assurance engineer, who represented JPMorgan Chase, a lead sponsor of the Start Something Challenge.
The Start Something Challenge is Rising Tide Capital's annual statewide pitch competition for New Jersey entrepreneurs hosted annually.
To learn more, visit www.StartSomethingChallenge.org.