Reviews

The alabama collective

HBCU Business
Pitch Competition

The “HBCU Business Pitch Competition @ Magic City Classic was a monumental event that fueled innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment within the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) community.

We were thrilled to have received a multitude of exceptional video entry applications representing 7 of our 4-year Alabama HBCUs, from talented individuals who shared their business ideas with passion and creativity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who submitted their proposals and joined us on the journey to empower HBCU entrepreneurship.

Our esteemed panel of judges carefully assessed each pitch and selected the competition’s outstanding winners. Congratulations to our top cash prize winners:

🥇 1st Place ($10,000): H-Coach representing Alabama A&M University
🥈 2nd Place (5,000): Movespot Inc. representing Talladega College
🥉 3rd Place ($2,500): Ocean Clean Up AI Drones representing Alabama State University

We also want to recognize the remarkable efforts of our Honorable Mention winners, who showcased promising business ideas and received $500 each to support their entrepreneurial journeys:

Diamond Mentor Baseball – Oakwood University
Brown Skin White Coat – Oakwood University
Gas-O-Haul – Alabama State University
Campus Swap – Alabama State University
Enhancing Campus Safety Using Machine Learning – Alabama State University

Our Distinguished Judges and Hosts: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed panel of judges and hosts, who played a pivotal role in making this event an outstanding success:

Jennifer Anderson, JSA Consulting
Anthony Hood, First Horizon Bank
Rep Kelvin Lawrence, Alabama House of Representatives
Eboni Major, Major in Whiskey
Bakari Miller, EDPA
Ronald Smith, Precise Tax
Jason Watters, Alabama Power Company
Amanda Williams, Gener8tor

“The mission of The Alabama Collective is to empower and uplift minority tech and entrepreneurship talent within the state of Alabama. This event serves as a remarkable testament to the influential role of HBCUs in shaping the minds of young entrepreneurs. We take immense pride in these students’ achievements and eagerly anticipate hosting forthcoming events and competitions.”

– Charisse Stokes, Executive Director