Savannah SCORE announced the names of the eight aspiring local entrepreneurs who will vie for over $10,000 in cash and professional services at SCORE’s second annual “BizPitch Savannah” Entrepreneurial Competition. The goals of the event are to recognize and reward entrepreneurial creativity and excellence, to raise awareness of entrepreneurship and the essential role of small business in our community, and to help create new local businesses and jobs.

Michael Siegel, Savannah SCORE Chapter Chair, said, “We received applications from 28 aspiring local entrepreneurs who wanted to be “BizPitch Savannah” contestants. It was difficult for us to choose only eight from the group of outstanding ideas we received. However, we are excited about the diverse and talented group of finalists we have selected and look forward to seeing them pitch their ideas at our “Shark Tank”-style event on September 6 at the Coastal Georgia Center.”

The eight “BizPitch Savannah 2019” finalists are:

Latora Bostic – “Geechee Grub” – Savannah’s first restaurant featuring authentic Gullah food and history.

Charlene Dimond – “Integra Nutra” – A unique integration of holistic therapies and traditional nursing practices to promote healing and well-being

Ashley Elm, Carmen McCullum, and Chelsea McLauren – “The Culturist Union” – Co-working space for womxn who own a small business, freelance, or work from home who seek a place to engage other womxn for work and enjoyment.

Andrew Holdnall – “Camphibian” – A Travel Trailer that has the boat stowed within it.

Kerri King and Kenneth Mayer – “Bad Gateway Games” – Innovative new video game, “Before It’s Too Late,” with a spooky, but cute, nostalgic aesthetic and a focus on exploration and atmosphere, not hyper-violence.

Fausta Luchini – “Fausta’s Place To Ponder” – Trauma Sensitive Coaching for compassionate professionals who are impacted by trauma their clients have experienced.

Maria Vaughan and Michael Wedum – “Code of Return Compost” – A green alternative to how trash is processed focusing on natural decomposition as a way to create nutrient-rich agricultural resources.

Brandon and Contina Walters – “GamePlex Garage” – A 75-minute STEAM-based workshop that encourages creativity and learning through science, engineering, art, and teamwork.

Siegel added, “We could not be presenting this fantastic event without the support and generosity of our many sponsors and donors. They include The City of Savannah, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Assistance Corporation, Savannah Economic Development Authority, BB&T, MassMutual, Wells Fargo-The Private Bank, Buy Local, Savannah Downtown Business Association, Georgia Southern University, GateHouse Media, HunterMacLean Attorneys, UGA’s Small Business Development Center, Carriage Trade Public Relations, Ad Specialty, Stafford Media Group, Podcast-On-The-Go, Kenkel Design, and Sand Dollar Accounting Services.”

“BizPitch Savannah 2019” will take place on Friday, September 6 from 4:00PM to 6:30PM at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah. Admission to the event is free and all are invited to attend.