The Urban League of Broward County turned into a local version of “Shark Tank” as entrepreneurs pitched their startups to a panel of judges that included corporate leaders and hip-hop heavyweights. PowerPitch South Florida, a collaboration between Philip Morris International (PMI) U.S. and the Urban League, packed the house with around 150 attendees eager to see which ideas would land real funding.
The event was part of PMI U.S.’s broader effort to support regional economic growth by investing in small businesses and giving underrepresented founders a platform to grow. The stakes were high, with $40,000 in prize money on the table. In the end, the biggest prize of $25,000 went to Kushae, a natural feminine-care brand founded by Kimba Williams.
Williams, energized by the win, gave a celebratory cheer: “I’m going to Disneyland!” She followed it up with a clear mission statement: “Feminine care has been underserved, and we are here to change that.”
Other winners included Show Agent, a real estate app that earned $10,000, and Next of Kin, which took home $5,000 for its digital document management platform.
PMI’s head of social impact, Moyer McCoy, led the judging panel, which also featured Miami music icons Rick Ross and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell. Their presence brought both local credibility and excitement to the room, giving each pitch session added weight.
Beyond the competition, the event highlighted the role of corporate philanthropy in grassroots entrepreneurship. McCoy emphasized the long-term goal: “By opening doors to capital and connection, our partnership with ULBC will help local entrepreneurs turn ideas into lasting community impact.”
Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh, president and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County, underscored the importance of that goal in today’s economy. “By investing in our neighbors, PMI U.S. is helping small business owners do what they do best: build, create, and keep our community strong,” she said.
The pitch contest is one piece of PMI U.S.’s three-year, $400,000 commitment to the Urban League. That funding is aimed at driving small business development and broadening economic opportunity across Broward County.
For attendees, the night offered more than just business ideas—it showed what can happen when big platforms give local entrepreneurs the floor. Many left feeling inspired, seeing first-hand how a successful pitch can reshape a company’s path.
In South Florida, where the hustle is constant and the barriers are real, PowerPitch gave a glimpse of what’s possible when community support meets solid business ideas. For Broward startups looking to scale, the message was clear: dream big, pitch smart, and don’t be afraid to show up.
