The Lauderhill CRA Small Business Expo and Pitch Competition

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At the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (3800 NW 11th Place Lauderhill, FL 33311) on Wednesday March 16, 2022 from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm

Event Day Schedule

11:30 am - 2:30 pm Food Truck Lunch

Food Vendors -

J&J Soul Food

BBQ and Soul Food with all of the fixings

Taco Negro

Fresh made Tacos, burritos, bowls and more with vegetarian options.

That’s My Dog

Vegan and 100% beef hot dogs

11:30 am - 6:00 pm Luxury Vehicle Display

11:30 am - 6:00 pm DJ Big Man Kelly

1:00 pm Doors open for check-in

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm Small Business Expo

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm On-Site Voting for Fan Favorite

2:00 pm -2:20 pm Opening Remarks by Commission

2:20 pm - 2:45 pm Moderated Panelist Discussion with Sandy McDonald, Juliet Murphy Roulhac, and Stacy Ritter

2:45 pm - 3:05 pm Moderated Panelist Discussion with Verse Simmonds, Samuel Yeboah, and Dr. Andy Ingraham

3:05 pm - 3:35 pm Moderated Conversation with Daymond John

3:35 pm - 3:45 pm Thank you to our Sponsors

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Final Pitch Competition

3:45 pm - 3:55 pm Queen Essentials - Monique Ford
3:55 pm - 4:05 pm Doozee - Key Robbins
4:05 pm - 4:15 pm Lien Library - Mac Alabre
4:15 pm - 4:25 pm Soca Step 25 - Kamal Cudioe
4:25 pm - 4:35 pm ATLEXO - Aygemang Clay

4:35 p - 4:45 pm Judge Deliberation and WINNERS ANNOUNCED

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm Small Business Expo reopens

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm VIP Cocktail and Network Reception

sb-expo-line

About the Lauderhill CRA

The City of Lauderhill's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is an entity created by the City of Lauderhill to promote economic and community revitalization of defined areas in the City. Each of these areas are defined as CRA districts and are governed by the Mayor and Commissioners of the City of Lauderhill.

The Lauderhill CRA Board - Mayor Ken Thurston, Vice Mayor Melissa P. Dunn, Commissioner Denise D. Grant, Commissioner Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin, Commissioner S. “Ray” Martin and Executive Director Sean Henderson

Keynote Speaker

Daymond John – started a clothing company in his mother’s basement and transformed it into a global fashion empire. He is the costar of ABC TV’s 4 time Emmy-Award winning series, “Shark Tank”; he has been appointed a presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship by the Obama administration; and he is the author of two New York Times Best-Selling books. He is known around the world as “The People’s Shark.”

Event Moderator

Bobeth Yates – CBS4 News - a dynamic journalist and meteorologist who has reported and given weather and traffic updates in cities across the country. She came to CBS4 News from CBS46 in Atlanta, where she was one of few journalists reporting live on the streets when riots broke out in downtown Atlanta after the shooting death of a local unarmed black man. She was also in charge of a news series which told the stories of veterans in need of help. Through her investigative and consumer reporting, Bobeth was able to provide more than one million dollars in benefits, medical services and community aid for those former Service members.

Event Judges and Panelists

	Dr. Andrew “Andy” Ingraham – President and CEO of NABHOOD (National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Inc.) - first started by marketing South Florida’s tourism and services to the Bahamas & Caribbean islands. He launched, Horizons Marketing Group Intl., Inc. to provide marketing services & travel packages for Bahamian & Caribbean travelers to South Florida. Andy has over thirty years in the travel & tourism industry, developing specific expertise in African American, Multicultural and Caribbean tourism. Andy has worked with many clients to create conferences including the Vibe Music Conference, FUBU Y2G, Impact and Revolt Music Conference. He was responsible for recruiting the American Tennis Association (ATA) to Fort Lauderdale and the American Black Film Festival to Miami. In 2001 he saw the opportunity in African American & multicultural tourism and began searching for ways hotels could cater to a more diverse population and he founded NABHOOD.
	Juliet Murphy Roulhac – Regional Director for Corporate External Affairs Broward and West Florida for Florida Power & Light Company - Ms. Roulhac manages governmental and community relations with elected officials and major stakeholders and develops regional strategies for FPL. She is an active member of the Broward County and the TJ Reddick Bar Associations and previously served on the statewide Florida Bar Board of Governors and as a Trustee on the University of Florida Board of Trustees. She is also Past-Chair for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
	Samuel Yeboah – Attorney and Business Owner in South Florida - owns and operates Yeboah Law Group, PA among other businesses endeavors. Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina, Mr. Yeboah immediately realized his dream of opening his own business by starting his first law firm in North Carolina. This dream has led to him working tirelessly to empower young adults from difficult circumstances to develop the belief that they too can do the same. His belief in building a stronger economic foundation in underserved communities has been and continues to be his passion.
	Sandy McDonald – Director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development - For the past 21 years, Mr. McDonald has worked in Community and Economic Development on both local and federal programs. His expertise includes initiating tax increment financing programs, providing supportive economic development services to local municipalities, brownfield redevelopment, small, minority and women owned business development and creating, monitoring and enforcing disadvantaged business enterprise opportunities.
	Stacy Ritter – President and CEO Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau - Ritter oversees an organization that provides sales and marketing development for leisure, international, sports, convention and group sales. The CVB also focuses its efforts on behalf of the County for multicultural tourism, LGBT+ development, film and entertainment as well as national and international advertising and public relations.
	Verse Simmonds – Artist, Song writer, Record Producer, and Label Owner - born in Puerto Rico and Raised in the Virgin Islands, Verse formed the production duo the Jugganauts in the 2005. Simmonds has earned 5 Grammy nominations throughout his career working with many artists such as; Rihanna, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Kelley Rowland, Young Jeezy, Akon, Snoop Dog, Gucci Mane, Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper, Chris Brown, Usher, Rick Ross, Meek Miller, Ty Dolla $ign, Kris Wu, Travis Scott, Jada Kingdom, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Arianna Grande, and THE WEEKEND. With so much accomplished in his career Verse still feels like there is so much more to do and is dead set on continuing to be one of today’s most elite creatives for a long time to come.

TOP 5 Pitch Participants

	Monique Ford – Queen Essentials – a distinctive line of stylish statement accessories. We craft wearable art out of hypoallergenic metals, gemstones, acrylic, clay, glass, wood, and various fabrics.
	La’Qiana “Key” Robbins – Doozee – A memory-based application, available on Android and IOS. The mobile application will be accessible via Wi-Fi or data plan to teach an introductory level to investing and entrepreneurship. Advertisement space will be sold to marketers.
	Mac Alabre – Lien Library – builds software that is licensed for free to cities. The website is built to allow customers to request lien reports from cities.
	Kamal Cudioe – Soca Step 25 – a fitness transformation challenge. Started in Lauderhill and taken nation-wide (DC/Atlanta/Orlando/Houston) this 60-minute workout will knock your socks off and put them back on – all in the same hour. Now combined with a meal guide.
	Aygemang Clay – ATLEXO – The world’s first luxury fitness kit. It is a lightweight, convenient solution that fits easily into any bag or carry-on and gives you access to a variety of over 100 strength and conditioning exercises at your fingertips.

LIVE VOTING

Vote for Fan Favorite HERE. Use code 4735 9990 to cast your vote between 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm.

Learn more about the participants by watching their pitch videos playing during the small business expo!

Fan Favorite Pitch Participants

	ATLEXO – Aygemang Clay – The world’s first luxury fitness kit. It is a lightweight, convenient solution that fits easily into any bag or carry-on and gives you access to a variety of over 100 strength and conditioning exercises at your fingertips.
	Doozee – La’Qiana “Key” Robbins – A memory-based application, available on Android and IOS. The mobile application will be accessible via Wi-Fi or data plan to teach an introductory level to investing and entrepreneurship. Advertisement space will be sold to marketers.
	Glamo – Richelle Giscombe – a global marketplace that provides clients with a stylist anywhere at anytime.
	Lien Library – Mac Alabre – builds software that is licensed for free to cities. The website is built to allow customers to request lien reports from cities.
	Liquid Paradise – Brandee Moore – will offer its customer a tropical ambiance with a full bar that specializes in daiquiris, appetizers, hookahs, and karaoke. Patrons will also be able to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, and business events.
	Soca Step 25 – Kamal Cudioe – a fitness transformation challenge. Started in Lauderhill and taken nation-wide (DC/Atlanta/Orlando/Houston) this 60-minute workout will knock your socks off and put them back on – all in the same hour. Now combined with a meal guide.
	That’s My Dog Foodtruck – Tiffany Hamilton – a mobile gourmet hot dog vendor. Located in Lauderhill, FL. We offer beef and plant-based hot dogs. Specializing in homemade cuisines. Offering Social gathering, personal service, concession catering, and corporate catering.
	Queen Essentials – Monique Ford – a distinctive line of stylish statement accessories. We craft wearable art out of hypoallergenic metals, gemstones, acrylic, clay, glass, wood, and various fabrics.

Thank You to Our Past Judges and Moderators

	*Bryan Cunningham – National Development Council* -** Co-founder and President of Business Briefings, LLC. a strategic business consulting firm specializing in the enhancement of business enterprises, new market expansions, risk management, real estate development, equity acquisitions and succession planning. Formally, served as the Entrepreneurship Center Director at the Urban League of Broward County where he was able to deploy over $30 million dollars in small business lending capital across the state of Florida and provided technical assistance to minority small business owners. Bryan is a fierce competitor and always strives for excellence. He is a true optimistic visionary and believes that we live in a world of unlimited opportunities. “If you can believe it, you can achieve it”.
	Don Wiggins – The Wiggins Agency the owner and founder of The Wiggins Agency, and has worked in the advertising and marketing industry for over fifty years. He represents local and national clients, leveraging global partnerships to promote clients’ products and brands. His experience in the business has led him to lead multiple branding campaigns worth millions. He is a husband, father, and grandfather of a loving family.
	Jackie Vernon Thompson – Through her work as a Certified Etiquette Expert/Consultant, Best Selling Author, and community leader, Jackie Vernon Thompson has dedicated her life to preparing others for success. She is the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette where she teaches children and adults, effective communication, business etiquette, body positivity, table manners, and much more. A philanthropist at heart, Jackie is passionate about changing lives through etiquette. Her school currently serves as a trusted resource for the Broward and Miami/Dade County public school system and selected municipalities. Jackie serves as an executive board member for the city of Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce and continues to earn recognition and awards for her work within local and international communities.
	JR McFarling – Small Business Development Officer Urban League of Broward County J.R. has over 20 years’ experience in business development. He is passionate about his work in the community and utilizes his vast experience in this critical role he serves. His work is accomplished by community outreach, advanced training programs and technical assistance offered at the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center. His mission is to help establish, structure, strengthen, empower and grow minority owned businesses while helping to create wealth in the community.
	Luis Navas – Chateau Mar Golf Resort the Founder and CEO of GranVita Holdings and is based in its Florida office. GranVita develops, owns and manages over $500 million in real estate across land holdings, hotels, class a luxury apartments and new luxury condo developments, all in South Florida. Luis’ background includes experience in the investment industry in Corporate Finance and as a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist, as well as a Board/Management Advisor and respected real estate developer.
	Dr. Oliver M. Falloon-Reid – President Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce Oliver M. Falloon-Reid is the President of Falloon Mortgage Funding Corporation, a mortgage brokerage company servicing the state of Florida. He has been a real estate professional for over 20 years, specializing in mortgage financing. For the past 12 years he has been actively serving the Jamaican Diaspora community in various capacities. He is committed to non-profit organization volunteerism, has a passion for civic responsibility, and plays an active role in giving back to society. Falloon-Reid is a graduate of the University of London earning a law degree, the University of Phoenix where he earned an MBA, and Saint Thomas University where he earned a doctorate in Education Leader, Innovation and Management.
	Sherrell Hobbs – SCORE Broward As an entrepreneur and world changer, Dr. Hobbs is the proud owner of Victory Educational Solutions, a company that provides coaching and professional development services to C-Suite executives. She actively promotes and encourages high level executives how to avoid job burnout and how to balance life and work. Her contagious spirit and positive attitude as a sphere of influence translates through the transformation of leaders, into best practices for any business to succeed.
	Tim Haider – Vice-Chair, Government & Community Relations Broward SCORE. Mr. Haider has 40 years of experience in consulting to private sector and government, specializing in business process analysis and financial management. For over 12 years he lived and worked overseas in Afghanistan, Germany, and the Netherlands. During his career, as a side-hustle, he started a number of small businesses in the areas of retail and real estate. For the past six years, as a volunteer with SCORE, he has mentored over a hundred small business startups.