On the evening of September 11th, the entrepreneurial spirit was alive and thriving as Start Peninsula hosted its third Micro Pitch competition of 2024. Local entrepreneurs brought their best ideas to the table, delivering impressive 90-second pitches to a panel of esteemed judges. The online event, held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, continued the tradition of nurturing early-stage startups in the Hampton Roads region.

With a range of compelling pitches, entrepreneurs competed for a $500 cash prize and a coveted spot in the final Championship Pitch event on November 6th. The competition was fierce, and the winners were:

  • B & C’s Gloves: 2-in-1 product a glove and a fish scaler to grip and scale fish by using your hands. We are offering a faster and safer way to descale fish versus your traditional methods. The GloveScaler is designed to protect one against fish handlers disease.
  • Seed Sisters: offers convenient, nutritious bars that simplify seed cycling, a holistic Ayurvedic practice that helps women manage hormonal imbalances naturally throughout their life stages. By incorporating the four essential seeds into each bar, Seed Sisters eliminates the hassle, making it easy to enjoy on the go. They are the only product that packages these seeds with all-natural, organic ingredients.
  • Style Magnet: is a web-based platform that simplifies online shopping for busy women by curating outfits from multiple retailers based on fashion stylist expertise. It offers personalized recommendations tailored to body shape and style preferences, with size suggestions based on user measurements. This reduces the hassle of online shopping, helping users find clothing that fits and suits their style with confidence.

Every participant displayed the ingenuity and drive that are the hallmarks of Hampton Roads’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Judges:

  • Chris Davidson, Founder of Orca Strategies LLC, brought a wealth of experience in growing businesses and supporting community initiatives. His deep connection to the region’s startup scene and his mentorship of young entrepreneurs made his insights invaluable.
  • Himalaya Rao-Potlapally, co-founder of the Black Founders Matter fund, provided a unique perspective on diversifying investments and creating equitable access to capital. As a mentor and industry leader, Himalaya’s feedback was both inspiring and practical.
  • Carlton M. Campbell, Founder and Managing Director of Heart and Mind Transformations, combined his technology expertise with holistic personal development to deliver insightful commentary on how entrepreneurs can balance growth and innovation.

As Start Peninsula gears up for the Championship Pitch later this year, the momentum from last night’s event continues to grow. Past winners of the Micro Pitch competition have gone on to achieve significant milestones in their entrepreneurial journeys, and this year’s participants are expected to follow suit.

Hosted by Newport News in partnership with Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and the counties of James City and York, Start Peninsula remains a cornerstone of innovation in the region. The program offers prize money and valuable exposure, resources, and mentorship opportunities to help businesses thrive.

The Championship Pitch, set for November 6th, will see the winners of all 2024 Micro Pitch events compete for the $5,000 grand prize and further support to scale their businesses. As always, Start Peninsula is dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in Hampton Roads.

For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit www.StartPeninsula.com.