Business Owner, Monique Chatman Wins $5,000, She Means Business Virtual Pitch Competition
The Enterprise Center at PathStone held its third annual She Means Business pitch competition on June 20, 2023.
The event was sponsored by Citizens Bank and showcased the winners who successfully completed the FREE Virtual 7-Week Intensive Program offered by the center.
The pitch competition took place on April 25, where the winners demonstrated their skills.
The She Means Business intensive program is specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs by guiding them through the various steps and processes required for business success. It covered a wide range of topics, including ideation, launching a business, navigating economic challenges, expanding operations, and creating job opportunities.
The participants attended weekly sessions from March 14 to explore subjects such as target audiences, marketing campaigns, business operations, financial management, and honing their pitching skills.
"The winners of the She Means Business pitch competition are women who have demonstrated unwavering determination, resilience and exceptional entrepreneurial skills," says President and Executive Director Javier E. Zapata-Rodríguez of The Enterprise Center at PathStone. “Our organization is committed to continue providing much needed capacity building and capital resources to help propel small and minority-owned businesses to new heights."
The first place winner, Monique Chatman, local business owner, a local to Rochester, received $5,000 for The Groom Room Men’s Spa Lounge, located at 215 Tremont Street Door #8.
Her establishment, which focuses on men's health, wellness, and care, has been in operation for 5 years.
Chatman said winning the competition for her business means that her “plan is seen as a workable idea for success.
“What I’m doing is viable for the business community,” she said. “It gives me hope for future plans and things I plan on doing in my business. It shows that I’m going in the right direction.”
The second place winner, Laythanette Shine, a business owner from Buffalo, New York, won $3,000 for USA Occupational Services. Her company provides drug and alcohol testing services and has been operating for 15 years.
The third place winner, Aubrea Thompson, a business owner from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, earned $2,000 for A.Thompson Visuals. Her business offers photography and videography services and has been operating for 6 years.
These three outstanding women entrepreneurs showcased their talents, dedication, and the success they have achieved with their businesses. The cash prizes they received will undoubtedly contribute to further growth and development in their respective ventures.
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