FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For more information, contact Na'Tisha Natt at natisha@nexusla.org or 225-218-1100
NexusLA and Black Ambition Prize Partner for BizTech Challenge during Bayou Classic Weekend
Baton Rouge, LA - Nexus Louisiana is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Black Ambition, the bold initiative founded by Pharrell Williams, for the 2024 BizTech Challenge. This collaboration amplifies the impact of the competition, designed to support and accelerate innovative businesses and entrepreneurs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Louisiana.
Black Ambition Prize, a platform renowned for promoting entrepreneurship within underrepresented communities, aligns perfectly with the mission of Nexus Louisiana to foster a vibrant, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"Partnering with Black Ambition elevates the BizTech Challenge to new heights," said Na'Tisha Natt, Director of Marketing for Nexus Louisiana. "Together, we are creating a space where students can turn their groundbreaking ideas into transformative businesses. This collaboration offers the platform, network, and resources they need to thrive in today's competitive business environment."
Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying, “Black Ambition is dedicated to removing barriers and creating equitable pathways to success for underrepresented entrepreneurs, especially HBCU students and recent alum. The BizTech Challenge provides a tremendous opportunity for the next generation of HBCU innovators to showcase their brilliance, and we’re excited to support their journey in partnership with Nexus Louisiana."
As part of the partnership:
- Black Ambition will provide business mentors for participants throughout the competition and contribute a judge for the final-round live pitch competition.
- The organization will also offer priority access and matriculation for up to 10 competition participants into their 2025 HBCU Pre-Accelerator Program, which culminates in a $200k+ virtual pitch competition.
The BizTech Challenge, now in its 9th year, continues to be a premier event for emerging entrepreneurs from HBCUs, providing them with the platform to showcase their innovative ideas, gain valuable mentorship, and compete for funding to launch their businesses.
This year’s event at the Westin New Orleans on November 29 will bring together top talent, industry experts, and visionary leaders for a day of inspiration, competition, and celebration of entrepreneurial excellence. Winning teams will not only receive cash prizes but will also gain invaluable connections to scale their businesses through the Black Ambition network.
Nexus Louisiana is a Baton Rouge-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides high-potential, technology-enabled companies with the coaching, capital, and connections they need to accelerate their growth.
Black Ambition empowers Black and Hispanic innovators and communities to excel uninterrupted. Founded by Pharrell Williams in 2020, Black, Hispanic, and HBCU-affiliated ventures in technology, healthcare, consumer products and services, media and entertainment and Artificial Intelligence are eligible to win up to $1M. To date, Black Ambition has trained approximately 1,000 founders and awarded nearly $10M in growth capital to 101 founders.