Trending...
- Malcolm Hill: The Laughter, Legacy and Determination Behind a Philly Comedy Mainstay
- A New Era Of Social Networking Is Here !
- Coach Bulinda Wright Advances To Top Five In National 'Top Host 2026 Competition'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, announced the winners of its virtual 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. Held Sept. 17-19, the virtual competition was one of a series of five being held nationwide marking SCORE's milestone anniversary. These events provide an avenue for entrepreneurs to showcase their presentation and selling skills to industry experts, win funding and gain valuable knowledge and mentorship, all at no cost. More than 2,200 small business owners applied to participate.
The three winning businesses in the virtual pitch event are:
"Congratulations to the winners of our virtual 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition," said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. "These remarkable entrepreneurs exemplify the innovation, dedication and perseverance needed to turn small business dreams into reality. We're honored to have supported them with mentorship and resources, continuing the legacy of helping more than 17 million entrepreneurs over the past six decades."
As part of the pitch competition, contestants were matched with one of SCORE's free, expert business mentors to guide them to prepare and deliver a compelling pitch.
Judging criteria included the effectiveness of the presentation, brand identification, uniqueness and viability of the product or service, the thoroughness of the business plan, scalability and any sustainability or social impact. Financials were also assessed on overall potential.
Shellie Peters, Head of Benefits and Charitable Giving at Global Atlantic, said, "We are pleased to congratulate the winners and finalists of SCORE's virtual pitch competition. As the premier sponsor of this 60th anniversary event, Global Atlantic is committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and providing the necessary tools for small businesses to thrive."
Finalists from the virtual pitch competition also included:
For more information about SCORE's virtual pitch event, click here for the full press kit. To view the virtual competition recording online, visit SCORE's recorded webinar library.
More on The PennZone
In addition to the virtual competition, regional contest locations include Philadelphia (Aug. 28), Des Moines (Sept. 12), Los Angeles (Sept. 26) and Houston (Oct. 3). To learn more or register to attend upcoming events, visit the 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition page on SCORE.org.
To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.
Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Media Contact
To schedule interviews with winners of SCORE's virtual 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition, finalists, mentors or representatives from SCORE, please contact Maria Coder, 954-379-2115, [email protected].
SOURCE SCORE
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers
9k+
Digital Media
Outlets
270k+
Journalists
Opted In
GET STARTED
The three winning businesses in the virtual pitch event are:
- First Place:
Helen Ianniello – Stockmen's Drug (Gordon, NE)
Stockmen's Drug is an independent pharmacy in rural Nebraska that has expanded its services significantly since Helen Ianniello's acquisition. A registered nurse rather than a pharmacist, Helen has revitalized the pharmacy by implementing new systems and procedures, expanding its service area, and offering innovative services such as telepharmacy and a mobile vaccine clinic. The pharmacy also caters to long term care facilities and collaborates with local hospitals to provide essential services. Helen earned the top prize of $20,000 and plans to use the prize to fund a mobile vaccine clinic for underserved and homebound individuals. - Second Place:
Christina VanDam – Zeal Aerial Fitness (Grand Rapids, MI)
Zeal Aerial Fitness offers a range of aerial and alternative fitness classes for adults and children, including aerial silks, hoop, pole, hammock and bungee. The studio also hosts private events such as birthday and bachelorette parties. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Zeal aims to make aerial fitness accessible and welcoming, promoting physical and personal growth through its diverse offerings. Christina earned $10,000 for her pitch, which she plans to use to purchase additional equipment for Zeal's new location, allowing for more participants and expanded class offerings. - Third Place:
Vanessa Sanchez – bonnee | the clothing swap app (Miami Beach, FL)
More on The PennZone- The King Returns: Satirical December 2026 Rematch Sees Challenger Delayed by a Christmas Light Installation
- Veteran Antiques Expert John Swahn Releases New Book: The Truth About Antiques
- Steven Weisz of Art Imagined Photography to exhibit at ExpoMetro Florence, Italy
- Hope Survives Managing Director Jasmine Balignasay-Chavez Receives 2026 Catalyst Award
- LCH2 Awarded Additional $1 Million to Advance Lewis County Clean Energy Campus
bonnee is a mobile app designed to facilitate the swapping of clothing, vintage items and accessories. Launched in January 2024, bonnee provides a user-friendly platform for individuals to swap items by earning credits for items they post. The app aims to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry by promoting sustainable fashion practices through easy and accessible swaps. Vanessa received $5,000 for her pitch. She plans to invest the prize money in social media marketing, influencer collaborations and enhanced app development to grow her user community, expand into new user segments and scale operations.
"Congratulations to the winners of our virtual 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition," said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. "These remarkable entrepreneurs exemplify the innovation, dedication and perseverance needed to turn small business dreams into reality. We're honored to have supported them with mentorship and resources, continuing the legacy of helping more than 17 million entrepreneurs over the past six decades."
As part of the pitch competition, contestants were matched with one of SCORE's free, expert business mentors to guide them to prepare and deliver a compelling pitch.
Judging criteria included the effectiveness of the presentation, brand identification, uniqueness and viability of the product or service, the thoroughness of the business plan, scalability and any sustainability or social impact. Financials were also assessed on overall potential.
Shellie Peters, Head of Benefits and Charitable Giving at Global Atlantic, said, "We are pleased to congratulate the winners and finalists of SCORE's virtual pitch competition. As the premier sponsor of this 60th anniversary event, Global Atlantic is committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and providing the necessary tools for small businesses to thrive."
Finalists from the virtual pitch competition also included:
- Monica Cody – Farmstead 1868 (Cazenovia, NY)
- Amanda and Collin Horan – Line + Cleat (Glen Ellyn, IL)
- Anwelli Okpue – Wani Cakes LLC (Dearborn, MI)
- Katie Roering – Fontana Candle Company, LLC (Lancaster, PA)
- Amber Waldeier – Zipplicity Un-Luggage (Lancaster, PA)
- Victoria Freeman – Ironmatik LLC (Liberty, MO)
- Yemisi Anderson – The JAY Effect (Carbondale, IL)
- Malgorzata (Mal) Klesna-Blat – Wicked Fruitful, LLC (Upton, MA)
- Kimberly St Clair – MyDocDash (Saint Louis, MO)
- Tania Kottoor – WEST X EAST (Brooklyn, NY)
- Michael Heisman - Tansect (Appleton, WI)
- Zakayla Riley – Pawpin' Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming (Cincinnati, OH)
- Jannea Wolff – Reclaiming Our Wellness (Miramar, FL)
- Tanya Shadley – TRS Kids Foundation (Virginia Beach, VA)
- Eden-Reneé Hayes – Pluralism Solutions (Wayland, MA)
- Mandi Hawke – Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (Boynton Beach, FL)
- Katherine Osborn – Nowhere Collective (Chicago, IL)
For more information about SCORE's virtual pitch event, click here for the full press kit. To view the virtual competition recording online, visit SCORE's recorded webinar library.
More on The PennZone
- Security Planning Tips For Your Holiday Event From Access Patrol Services
- Kellyn Co-Founder Meagan Grega Named President-Elect of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine
- Contracting Resources Group Receives 2026 HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award
- Business News & Info Goes Inside Paragon FX Group's Hunt for Original Film Props
- Kitchen Table Economics: An Invitation to Think Differently
In addition to the virtual competition, regional contest locations include Philadelphia (Aug. 28), Des Moines (Sept. 12), Los Angeles (Sept. 26) and Houston (Oct. 3). To learn more or register to attend upcoming events, visit the 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition page on SCORE.org.
To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.
Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Media Contact
To schedule interviews with winners of SCORE's virtual 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition, finalists, mentors or representatives from SCORE, please contact Maria Coder, 954-379-2115, [email protected].
SOURCE SCORE
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers
9k+
Digital Media
Outlets
270k+
Journalists
Opted In
GET STARTED
Filed Under: Business
0 Comments
Latest on The PennZone
- Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley Raises Over $50,000 to Help Feed Local Seniors
- Contracting Resources Group Named a 2027 Elev8 GovCon Honoree by OrangeSlices
- Malcolm Hill: The Laughter, Legacy and Determination Behind a Philly Comedy Mainstay
- The World's No.1 Superstar® Brings Christmas Back in Grand Style with Music, Cinematic Glamour, and Luxury Fashion
- New Six-Figure Media Agreement Builds Powerful Momentum, Expanding Government Contracts, FBI Access and Growing AI Recognition: Cyabra (NAS DAQ: CYAB)
- Christmas Beats Summer in Paris: Travel Photoshoots Peak on Dec. 30
- Qscription Technologies Welcomes Joanna Krause, MD, MRMD to Its Clinical Advisory Board
- Jamie Foxx's SKVLK Fest Sets the Record Straight on Stabbing Reports Following Star-Studded Celebration
- Coach Bulinda Wright Advances To Top Five In National 'Top Host 2026 Competition'
- Andrew Balzano Releases One of My Life's Passions: Classics and Mysteries, a Fan's Guide to Great Mysteries Worth Rewatching
- Feldman Shepherd Named as 2027 'Best Law Firm' by Best Lawyers -- Tier 1 National & Philadelphia
- The 4th Annual Newark Summit for Economic Development, Placemaking & Innovation Returns on December 8th
- Corner Property Management AAMC Awarded Community Management Contract for Belvidere at Doyle Square
- Romanian Software Company ASSIST Software Ranks Second Nationally Among Large Enterprises in Its Category
- TrueDriveCost Launches Free Calculators for the Real Cost of Owning a Car
- A New Era Of Social Networking Is Here !
- Poetry Quarterly Returns in Print With Its Fall 2026 Issue, Featuring 42 Poets
- HIRO Ostomy Belt Launch by Richard O'Hamill
- New Omega-3 Fish Oil Under NIH Investigation: What Makes It Different From EPA and DHA?
- Technical Brief Examines Enterprise Integration Challenges as AI Agent Platforms Expand