Black-owned startups have emerged victorious in a business grants competition sponsored by Hyatt. The event, organized by BLACK ENTERPRISE, took place during the 2023 Disruptor Summit, where three finalists pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges. Quikliq, a smartphone app that allows customers to buy alcohol from Black-owned brands and independent outlets, claimed the top prize of $15,000.
Quikliq impressed the judges with its unique concept and commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses. The app, developed by Mikáel Pyles and his company partners, has gained traction in the market and garnered over 7,000 downloads. Pyles expressed his gratitude to Hyatt for sponsoring the pitch competition, emphasizing the significance of such initiatives in promoting Black entrepreneurship and innovation.
Dr. Erica Gamble, founder of The Wig Doctor, secured the first runner-up position. Her business provides non-medical hair augmentation options for individuals experiencing hair loss, along with scalp examinations and treatments. Gamble’s expertise in the field and dedication to helping clients regrow their hair organically earned her a $10,000 business grant from Hyatt.
Michael Fulton II, the founder of Bizinc, a social linking marketplace app, claimed the second runner-up position. Fulton’s platform integrates social marketing, freelancing, and booking services to enhance users’ social exposure and engagement. He received a $5,000 business grant from Hyatt to further develop his innovative app.
The pitch competition marked Hyatt’s first year as a sponsor, aligning with the company’s commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurship through its initiative called Change Starts Here. Senior Vice President Tyronne Stoudemire emphasized Hyatt’s passion for promoting a more just and equitable community and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
The three finalists had the opportunity to deliver live pitches at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta in front of hundreds of enthusiastic attendees. Each finalist had 90 seconds to impress the judges and showcase their business ideas. The winners were announced during the summit’s awards breakfast, which celebrated entrepreneurial talent and innovation.
The pitch competition has evolved over the years, with different formats and criteria for contestants. BLACK ENTERPRISE Senior Vice President and Executive Editor Alfred Edmond Jr., himself a seasoned business mentor, highlighted the importance of pitching and building relationships beyond just the monetary aspect.
Quikliq’s win is a testament to the dedication and persistence of its founders, Pyles, Aaron Carter, and Navarr Grevious. The trio met during their time at Clark Atlanta University, where they identified the need for a safe alcohol delivery service for social events. Despite facing challenges and waiting for certain states to authorize alcohol delivery, they turned their decade-old concept into a reality. Quikliq is now available in two states and plans to expand throughout the Southeast in 2023, with further plans to move west by 2024.
Pyles emphasized Quikliq’s mission to support mom-and-pop liquor stores and minority-owned brands, offering them visibility and accessibility through their platform. The Hyatt business grant will be used to enhance the app’s technology, making it more user-friendly and facilitating expansion.
The partnership between Hyatt and BLACK ENTERPRISE has highlighted the impact of supporting Black-owned startups and fostering entrepreneurship. Initiatives like these provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and make a difference in their communities. Hyatt’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion resonates with the vision of BLACK ENTERPRISE and its mission to empower and uplift Black businesses.
Overall, the pitch competition and the grants awarded by Hyatt have not only provided financial support but also amplified the voices of Black entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation and fostering hope for a more inclusive business landscape
