NFTE FOUNDERS FORUM SHOWCASE & INVESTMENT PANEL COHORTS


2024

Founders Forum Winner

Founders of three viable businesses presented their best pitches on Feb. 28, 2024, contending for a portion of a $10,000 capital investment pool. The finalists were:

Zachary Borja, founder of Borja+ Media, who won $5,000 toward his business Borja+ Media, a digital marketing company dedicated to creating content for organizations with an impact-driven cause.

Jonathan Ho won $3,000 for his business Edily Learning.

Akin Shoyoye won $2,000 for his business Faderade.


2023

Christopher Avolio

Founders Forum Winner

Founders of three viable businesses presented their best investment pitches on March 15, 2023, contending for a portion of a $12,000 capital investment pool. The finalists included:

Christopher Avolio, founder of Huldit, who won $7,000 toward purchasing inventory and marketing his company’s U-lock holder for bikes.

Kailyn, Kasi and Kehli Cage of Press Book & Wine Company earned $3,500 for their full-service café and workspace business.

Hariella Lawson-Hogban won $1,500 for Mö’dji, a docu-series designed to capture the migrant experience.


2022

Showcase Founders & Their Businesses

  • Appreciable Art – Daniel McVay
  • Artem Creative – Jason Mejia, Founder
  • Comfort Curls – Ever Blanco-Cruz, Founder
  • Credible Coverage – Chris Argote, Founder
  • Dazzle Me Please – Abigail Williams, Founder
  • FORUS – Kristen Anti, Founder
  • Fu Dogz – Cindy Aoun & Sebastian Wasekuk, Founders
  • ShopHowell – Jevon Howell, Founder
  • JJ Orchids – Gayathri Samuel, Founder
  • Level Up Consulting – Cory Hinds, Founder
  • R.828 Marketing – Jordyn Jackson, Founder
  • We Do It For Us Network – Vanee Brown & Damari McKoy , Founders
  • Money Moves – Samya Zia, Founder

2021

Showcase Founders & Their Businesses

  • Crowned Waffles – Dayana Gelin, Founder – NFTE Southeast 2018
  • Elite Basketball Academy – Andres Cardona, Founder – NFTE Southeast 2010
  • Gen Z Life Coach – Brandon Griffin, Founder – NFTE in Gary, Indiana – 2005
  • Ghostro Delivery – Vincent Quigg, Founder – NFTE Los Angeles Metro 2012
  • LOTTA Worldwide – Mathew Galvez, Founder – NFTE Bay Area 2018
  • Nails by Anisa – Anisa Anorve, Founder – NFTE Los Angeles Metro 2018
  • Nutra-Charged – Shelton Alexis, Founder – NFTE NY Metro 1995
  • Project Gym – Cody Chang, Founder – NFTE New York Metro 2006
  • Ray Grand, Inc. – Ray Grandoit, Founder – NFTE New England 2001
  • Tasium – Jose Rodriguez, Founder – NFTE New England 2020
  • The Millennial Foundation – Christopher Jones, Founder – NFTE DC Metro 2012
  • The ROC Enrichment Program – Brian Sessions, Founder – NFTE Baltimore 2008