Seattle innovators and business owners gathered at Imperia in Lake Union for the eighth annual Impact Pitch Competition. Hosted by Business Impact NW, the event allows entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and companies to a panel of experts and ultimately compete for grants.

“You get to learn the full ins and outs of your business, and you can win some money,” Adra Boo said. “People are basically learning what’s in the engine of the car that is their business.”

Three winners walked away with $6,000 each, including our Art Queen and owner of the Re-Sole Takiyah Ward who won best startup and early stages business. There was also an audience vote for best marketing video.

“I am so pumped,” Ward said. “I’m so proud of myself for getting to this point and being able to step into my power, and share my business with the community.”

Even for those whose businesses didn’t win grants, the event was a valuable experience and provided exposure for their brands.

“It’s a blessing to be honest,” Tony Wilson, owner of Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce said. “I always say I wasn’t intended to be here but I’m here now. We’re full steam ahead at making this thing a national brand.”

Business Impact NW has been around for 26 years, and aims to help small businesses, especially those in marginalized areas and communities.

“That’s are whole focus in the world is to make sure that small businesses have access to capital and access to information,” Business Impact NW CEO Joe Sky-Tucker said. “We’re really aimed to help businesses on the margin.”

For Cameron Hudson, owner of All N Haul, the added exposure is extremely valuable. 

“As a Black-owned business, it’s great to get out in front of people,” Hudson said. “If they don’t know you, how can they support you?”

You can find out more about Business Impact NW at https://businessimpactnw.org/