Atlanta Entrepreneurs Can Shoot Their Shot With Hawks’ ‘Pull Up and Pitch’ Event

The Atlanta Hawks are giving back to their local community through its entrepreneurial sector. During the NBA team’s “Pull Up and Pitch” event, entrepreneurs within the city can pitch their business ideas to access grants that will bring them to fruition.

On Nov. 11, the Hawks will host a wide range of business owners at the State Farm Arena, where they will have the opportunity to speak about their latest ventures. In partnership with the Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV) and The NBA Foundation, the program seeks to elevate Black and brown founders and small business owners within the United States. Hawks Vice President of Marketing Narcis Alikhani shared the team’s excitement to “inspire and support” those with business aspirations within the Atlanta area.

“We are excited to continue using our platform to support Atlanta’s minority-owned businesses and allow them to ‘shoot their shot’ to grow their business immediately,” stated Alikhani. “We feel that teaming up with The Black Girl Ventures Foundation and the NBA Foundation for this one-day competition will be a fun way to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and founders.”

With over 100 business-savvy guests expected to attend, the opportunity will grant the entrepreneurs a chance to advertise their ideas through the classic elevator pitch in 60 seconds. Described by The Atlanta Voice as the “fast-paced, question-and-answer competition,” those judging the competition will be Hawks executives such as BGV CEO Omi Bell and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Camye Mackey. Bell explained the event’s “authentic” purpose, with the grand prizes ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

“The purpose of ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ is to normalize business pitching for all entrepreneurs/business owners/creatives by lowering the barrier for feedback and access to capital,” shared the executive.

Registration is open to all businesses with less than $1 million in revenue, especially those founded by people of color, for the inaugural initiative.