Because a stronger community starts with a skilled, empowered workforce. Economic mobility isn’t a talking point at BBOP — it’s the mission. Every program we
From five talented finalists, two standout winners emerged, securing non-dilutive capital to fuel the next stage of their business growth. Pachet Bryant of MINE Maternity (Mission Viejo, CA) took home $5,000 for first place, while T. Francies of Cam (Brooklyn, NY) earned $3,000. The competition highlighted bold ideas, inspiring stories, and founders committed to building profitable, investable businesses that create generational wealth.
Founders came from near and far—some traveling from Oklahoma and New York—all united by a shared goal: turning big ideas into scalable ventures. Throughout the event, participants pitched their concepts, shared their entrepreneurial journeys, and received mentorship and guidance from seasoned judges and industry experts.
Beyond the prizes, the competition provided a platform for connection, collaboration, and visibility, giving founders the tools and resources to take their businesses to the next level. BBOP continues to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and networks, helping transform ideas into profitable, sustainable companies.
The Big Ideas Pitch Competition is just one way BBOP champions innovation, fosters equity, and ensures founders have what they need to build businesses that generate long-term impact and generational wealth.
The Inland Empire’s boldest ventures. One room. One day. Some of the most powerful business relationships in this region have started in a BBOP room.
From five talented finalists, two standout winners emerged, securing non-dilutive capital to fuel the next stage of their business growth. Pachet Bryant of MINE Maternity (Mission Viejo, CA) took home $5,000 for first place, while T. Francies of Cam (Brooklyn, NY) earned $3,000. The competition highlighted bold ideas, inspiring stories, and founders committed to building profitable, investable businesses that create generational wealth.
Founders came from near and far—some traveling from Oklahoma and New York—all united by a shared goal: turning big ideas into scalable ventures. Throughout the event, participants pitched their concepts, shared their entrepreneurial journeys, and received mentorship and guidance from seasoned judges and industry experts.
Beyond the prizes, the competition provided a platform for connection, collaboration, and visibility, giving founders the tools and resources to take their businesses to the next level. BBOP continues to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and networks, helping transform ideas into profitable, sustainable companies.
The Big Ideas Pitch Competition is just one way BBOP champions innovation, fosters equity, and ensures founders have what they need to build businesses that generate long-term impact and generational wealth.
From five talented finalists, two standout winners emerged, securing non-dilutive capital to fuel the next stage of their business growth. Pachet Bryant of MINE Maternity (Mission Viejo, CA) took home $5,000 for first place, while T. Francies of Cam (Brooklyn, NY) earned $3,000. The competition highlighted bold ideas, inspiring stories, and founders committed to building profitable, investable businesses that create generational wealth.
Founders came from near and far—some traveling from Oklahoma and New York—all united by a shared goal: turning big ideas into scalable ventures. Throughout the event, participants pitched their concepts, shared their entrepreneurial journeys, and received mentorship and guidance from seasoned judges and industry experts.
Beyond the prizes, the competition provided a platform for connection, collaboration, and visibility, giving founders the tools and resources to take their businesses to the next level. BBOP continues to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and networks, helping transform ideas into profitable, sustainable companies.
The Big Ideas Pitch Competition is just one way BBOP champions innovation, fosters equity, and ensures founders have what they need to build businesses that generate long-term impact and generational wealth.
From five talented finalists, two standout winners emerged, securing non-dilutive capital to fuel the next stage of their business growth. Pachet Bryant of MINE Maternity (Mission Viejo, CA) took home $5,000 for first place, while T. Francies of Cam (Brooklyn, NY) earned $3,000. The competition highlighted bold ideas, inspiring stories, and founders committed to building profitable, investable businesses that create generational wealth.
Founders came from near and far—some traveling from Oklahoma and New York—all united by a shared goal: turning big ideas into scalable ventures. Throughout the event, participants pitched their concepts, shared their entrepreneurial journeys, and received mentorship and guidance from seasoned judges and industry experts.
Beyond the prizes, the competition provided a platform for connection, collaboration, and visibility, giving founders the tools and resources to take their businesses to the next level. BBOP continues to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and networks, helping transform ideas into profitable, sustainable companies.
The Big Ideas Pitch Competition is just one way BBOP champions innovation, fosters equity, and ensures founders have what they need to build businesses that generate long-term impact and generational wealth.
From five talented finalists, two standout winners emerged, securing non-dilutive capital to fuel the next stage of their business growth. Pachet Bryant of MINE Maternity (Mission Viejo, CA) took home $5,000 for first place, while T. Francies of Cam (Brooklyn, NY) earned $3,000. The competition highlighted bold ideas, inspiring stories, and founders committed to building profitable, investable businesses that create generational wealth.
Founders came from near and far—some traveling from Oklahoma and New York—all united by a shared goal: turning big ideas into scalable ventures. Throughout the event, participants pitched their concepts, shared their entrepreneurial journeys, and received mentorship and guidance from seasoned judges and industry experts.
Beyond the prizes, the competition provided a platform for connection, collaboration, and visibility, giving founders the tools and resources to take their businesses to the next level. BBOP continues to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and networks, helping transform ideas into profitable, sustainable companies.
The Big Ideas Pitch Competition is just one way BBOP champions innovation, fosters equity, and ensures founders have what they need to build businesses that generate long-term impact and generational wealth.
La Shaunn Spivey-Angeletti is redefining rest as a leadership skill. Through Dream Cultivator Enterprise, she’s created a luxury wellness retreat for high-achieving women who are used to carrying it all, and are finally ready to put it down. Designed for women who lead businesses, teams, and families, the Reflect Refresh Retreat offers something rare: space to stop, release control, and reset without managing a single detail.
Dr. Dennis Morrison, Chief Economic Development Officer of the BBOP Center, was recently featured on Black Perspectives IE discussing entrepreneurship, access to capital, and economic empowerment in the Inland Empire. In the interview, he shares how the BBOP Center supports entrepreneurs through education, business readiness programs, and community-driven resources designed to help businesses start, grow, and scale.
2025 Honoree – Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman
Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman as the 2025 winner for her work helping formerly incarcerated women through her Time for Change non-profit, turning personal adversity into empowerment and inspiring others to be remarkable.