Pitch the Beach: Miami Beach Showcases Black Entrepreneurial Talent

Summary

The City of Miami Beach, in collaboration with the Black Professionals Network, hosted “Pitch the Beach,” a showcase celebrating Black entrepreneurial talent during Black Business Month. The event took place at Casa Matilda, a Black-owned venue, and aimed to foster an inclusive business environment for minority-owned companies. Unlock.Luxe was crowned the winner for its creativity and market potential, receiving a monetary prize and business support, alongside finalists Spice King and Salt and Sundown. The event underscored the city’s commitment to equity and inclusion in economic development.

Pitch the Beach: Miami Beach Showcases Black Entrepreneurial Talent

To celebrate Black Business Month in August, the City of Miami Beach’s Economic Development Department hosted, in partnership with the Black Professionals Network (BPN), Pitch the Beach: A Black Founders Showcase at Casa Matilda (411 Washington Ave). The event attracted innovators, investors, and community leaders and highlighted entrepreneurship in Miami Beach.

Casa Matilda, a Black-owned Miami Beach business, provided the perfect backdrop for the showcase. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and community-centered approach, Casa Matilda reflects the entrepreneurial spirit the event was designed to uplift, and demonstrates how Black-owned establishments enrich the city’s culture and economy.

This Miami Beach and BPN collaboration builds on a shared mission to foster an inclusive business environment where Black-owned companies are supported, celebrated, and positioned for long-term success. The City and BPN are expanding access, visibility, mentorship, and resources that assist minority-owned businesses thrive.

Unlock.Luxe Crowned Winner

The event top prize was awarded to Unlock.Luxe, whose creativity, scalability, and market potential stood out. Unlock.Luxe received a monetary prize, concierge business support, and access to exclusive growth opportunities.

Finalists with Flavor and Vision

Two dynamic businesses joined Unlock.Luxe in the final round of the competition:

Spice King - a gourmet brand that redefines the flavor experience with bold and innovative spice blends.
Salt and Sundown - a lifestyle venture that blends creativity, cultural storytelling, and community appeal.
Each finalist demonstrated the depth of entrepreneurial talent driving Miami Beach’s business community.

The winner was selected by a distinguished panel of leaders shaping the future of Miami Beach’s economy:

Steven Anthony – Director of Economic Development, City of Miami Beach. Steven is driving Miami Beach’s vision for growth through initiatives that attract businesses, foster innovation, and strengthen the city’s commercial ecosystem.
Brittnee Bassant – CEO, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Brittnee is reshaping the institution into a modern hub for business advocacy, innovation, and opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
Glendon Hall – Chair, Black Affairs Advisory Committee. A tireless advocate for equity, Glendon works to create pathways for inclusive entrepreneurship within Miami Beach.
Building Equity Through Economic Development

Pitch the Beach was more than a competition. It was a platform to showcase innovation, strengthen community ties, and highlighted the City’s commitment to equity and inclusion.