In 2011, the Birmingham News took note when the Magic City Black Expo featured the Business Pitch Competition sponsored by New York based non-profit, 100 Entrepreneurs. … and why was this so important? Finalists to execute the best 60-second pitches were in the running to win a WOPPING $10,000! That’s why! The story highlights 100 Urban Entrepreneurs and MCBE in their mission to support the growth of new urban businesses, and depicts the journey candidates endure leading up to their 60-second blaze of glory! Check out the article below.

Originally published by William C. Singleton III — The Birmingham News

Two Birmingham area entrepreneurs win $10,000 at Black Expo

Two Birmingham-area entrepreneurs were awarded $10,000 each dur­ing a “Pitch Your Business” contest at Saturday’s Magic City Black Expo at the Bir­mingham Jefferson Conven­tion Complex.

Carl Colvin of Carl’s Tire Service and LaTara Johnson of Elle Danielle Photography emerged from a field of more than 100 national en­trepreneurs to win the award given by The Cash­flow, a New York City-based group which provides re­sources to encourage entre­preneurship through its nonprofit 100 Urban Entre­preneurs arm. Atlanta’s Anthony Joiner of The Weekend Collection also received $10,000 for his business. Johnson specializes in photography for families and children, especially taking their pictures in more natural environments than in studios.

More than 100 entrepreneurs entered the contest, but only 20 made the cut to pitch their business idea at the expo, said Darrius Peace, co-founder of the Magic City Black Expo.

Those 20 current and would-be business owners had 60 seconds to pitch their business before an audience and a panel of three judges.

The panel narrowed the finalists to nine then to three. Though one was to receive the $10,000, organizers selected three winners.

“There’s always a surprise,” said Dan Carriere, chairman and co-founder of 100 Urban Entrepreneurs.

In addition to the $10,000, the entrepreneurs will undergo eight weeks of intensive business mentoring.

“It’s not just about winning $10,000,” Carriere said.

“When we pick winners, we make them very accountable for each dollar that they spend.”

The organization helps the entrepreneurs with business plans and makes sure they spend the money wisely, he said.

Colvin operates a mobile tire service. He carries equipment in the back of his truck and computer-balances and mounts tires. “I come to you instead of having you come to a shop,” he said.

Colvin said he would use the money to invest in more high-end equipment to ensure professionalism and customer satisfaction.

“I want to do the job right the first time, and I can do that with better equipment,” he said. “I don’t want to get a bad name for myself.”

Link to original article here. You can also view more pictures from the 2011 Magic City Black Expo here.