The Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) has announced the winners of Pitch Fest 2025: Dream. Pitch. Prosper!, an annual competition that provides local entrepreneurs with funding and business resources. This year’s event was especially notable, not only for its expanded format but also for its strong showing of Black women entrepreneurs who took home the top prizes.

The competition, which kicked off Women’s History Month, awarded a total of $30,000 in funding to three standout businesses:

1st Place ($15,000) – Dr. Amber Williams, Upright Spine Center
2nd Place ($10,000) – Arias Austin, SluttyIcee’s Inc.
3rd Place ($5,000) – Nicole Bronson, Anointed Florist and Gift Shop LLC

All three winners are Black women business owners, highlighting the increasing influence of women-led enterprises in Miami-Dade. Additionally, women comprised the majority of the semi-finalists, demonstrating the impact and growth of female entrepreneurship in the region.

1st Place Winner of Pitch Fest 2025 Dr. Amber Williams, Founder of Upright Spine Center, poses with her $15,000 prize. *Photo Credit: Godfrey Mead, Photographer Miami-Dade County*

2nd Place Winner of Pitch Fest 2025 Arias Austin of SluttyIcee’s Inc., poses with her $10,000 prize.
*Photo Credit: Godfrey Mead, Photographer Miami-Dade County*

3rd Place Winner of Pitch Fest 2025 Nicole Bronson of Anointed Florist & Gift Shop LLC, with a $5,000 prize.
Photo Credit: *Godfrey Mead, Photographer Miami-Dade County*

Pitch Fest 2025 aimed to empower and celebrate Miami-Dade’s small business community by providing a platform for established businesses to secure funding, gain visibility, and build valuable connections. The event featured live pitches, a networking component, and educational resources for participants. After a rigorous selection process, the top 10 finalists presented their businesses in 5-7 minute pitches, followed by a rapid-fire Q&A with a panel of industry leaders. Judges included Eric Knowles, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce; Connie Kinnard, Senior VP of Multicultural Tourism & Development at the GMCVB; and Hilmon Sorey, Co-Founder of The Source Groups.

MDEAT’s Pitch Fest is more than just a competition—it’s a movement designed to strengthen Miami-Dade’s economy by supporting small businesses that drive job creation and innovation. This year’s new format combined live presentations with networking and educational components, offering entrepreneurs even more opportunities to refine their strategies and connect with key stakeholders.

MDEAT plans to continue its commitment to local businesses with future funding initiatives, including upcoming Q2 Business Grant opportunities. Entrepreneurs looking to stay informed on resources and events can follow @MDEATInfo on Instagram for the latest updates.

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.

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