Jasmine Johnson - 1st Place Winner
Jasmine Johnson, CEO of ParentCo, captivated the BGV Chicago Pitch Competition audience with her innovative solution to a pressing child safety issue. Her journey from Chicago's Englewood neighborhood to entrepreneurship was fueled by a vision to revolutionize home safety and a strong desire to quell child safety concerns in the home. Johnson's Outlet Plug Pad, a revolutionary safety outlet cover, is designed to prevent severe burns, electrocutions, and even fatalities among children.
With a staggering 2,400 severe injuries and 6-12 deaths annually due to outlet-related accidents, the market for this unique and effective solution is undeniable. Despite a stagnant industry lacking significant advancements in over three decades, Johnson's determination led to the creation of ParentCo. Seeking $250,000 in funding to fuel production, inventory, and packaging, Johnson envisions ParentCo as the new industry standard. Backed by a skilled team and a projected market expansion from $92 billion to $135 billion by 2035, ParentCo is poised for substantial growth, profitability, and a lasting impact on child safety.
Tara Levy - 2nd Place Winner
Tara Levy's Liberated Arts Movement is tackling the critical issue of illiteracy among underprivileged Chicago youth. For the last nine years, Tara has worked in education, serving in various capacities, from being a high school English teacher academic advisor to a community engagement coordinator. Her passion for education and youth development has heavily influenced her art practices and community work.
Inspired by alarming illiteracy rates, particularly among low-income and justice-involved students, Levy created Liberated Writers, a mindfulness-based creative writing program. This innovative approach has already demonstrated significant success in schools and community centers, empowering students to excel academically and personally. Unlike traditional programs focused on test preparation, Liberated Writers cultivates a strong foundation for lifelong learning. To reach 150-200 students, Levy seeks $200,000 to expand the program's impact. Her confidence in the program's ability to transform young lives is evident as she envisions a brighter future for Chicago's youth through the Liberated Arts Movement.
Rhonda Daniels - 3rd Place Winner
Ronda Daniels, the visionary behind Natural Radiant Life, is challenging the beauty industry's status quo. Recognizing the detrimental impact of toxic ingredients prevalent in skincare products marketed to women of color, she founded a company committed to providing clean, effective alternatives. Leveraging the power of 100% whole food ingredients.
Natural Radiant Life has experienced remarkable growth, boasting a 338% increase in customers and a substantial customer lifetime value of $424 in just four years. Daniels' journey with rosacea fueled her passion for creating skincare that nourishes the skin and empowers women.
With a clear mission and a proven track record, Natural Radiant Life is poised for even greater success. To accelerate its growth and expand its reach, the company is seeking a $500,000 investment. Daniels invites like-minded individuals to join her in building a future where beauty and wellness are synonymous.
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