Congratulations to the 2023 “¡Preparados, Listos, Pitch!” Event Winner

Posted October 7, 2023

About the 2023 “¡Preparados, Listos, Pitch!” Event

The 2023 “¡Preparados, Listos, Pitch!” event was held for Spanish speaking students on October 7th and gave La Academia Empresarial de la Comunidad graduates the opportunity to share their stories, ideas, vision, and plan and our judges selected one talented and driven individual to receive a $10,000 prize to help take their business to the next level.

2023 Pitch process:

- August 15: Mandatory information session in Spanish on Zoom
- September 5: Video submissions due (instructions to be shared)
- September 18: Top 5 entrepreneurs announced
  - Andrea Serrano, Glossy Jewellery
  - Corina Costa, Corina Costa Beauty Studio
  - Marielyn Oliver, Mari Oliver Realtor
  - Mario Broggi, Elena’s Empanadas & Pastas
  - Yugeily Prieto, Amelie Jewelry
- October 2-6: Individual coaching sessions scheduled with top 5 entrepreneurs
- October 7: ¡Preparados, Listos, Pitch! 11AM – 1PM | Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

The 2023 Ready, Set, Pitch! $10,000 grand prize was awarded to Andrea Serrano of Glossy Jewellery. Glossy Jewellery is a family-owned company that offers modern, elegant and custom jewelry. The financial prize will be utilized to incrementally grow and expand the business, allowing Andrea to expand into new wholesale opportunities. Read more.

A special thank you to the 2023 coaches and judges:

Marco A. Ríos, SC Small Business Development Center
Javier A. Jimenez Pereira – Hispanic Business Association
Rubi Monge – Pinnacle Financial Partners
Charlie O’Brien – Climb Fund
Nancy Leon – South Carolina Community Loan Fund
Pedro de Armas – El Informador

Emcee: Paola Paz, radio host at Latina 95.5FM