Inside the return of Miami Beach’s pitch competition for Black entrepreneurs
Miami Beach opened the door and asked Black founders one question: What would you build here?
Five of them answered.
Pitch the Beach returns Thursday, August 27 for its second year, contracted by the City of Miami Beach during Black Business Month. The format is simple: five founders take the stage, pitch their business to a panel of city and chamber leaders, and compete for a cash prize, city-backed business concierge support, expedited permitting, and a real pathway into Miami Beach’s commercial ecosystem.
Last year, three finalists pitched. This year, the field is deeper, the stakes are higher, and the city’s commitment to activating Black-owned businesses within its lines has only grown louder.
Here are the five ventures competing for it all.
01 · We Raise The Roof
Founder: Dr. Egheosa Igbinoba
Built around one powerful standard: development without displacement. We Raise the Roof is creating a new pathway into real estate development and community ownership through a certification-first model. Professionals learn the development process, from deal sourcing to breaking ground, before gaining access to fractional co-investment in vetted projects.
The idea is simple: learning first, investing second. The goal is giving people the knowledge and opportunity to own a stake in the redevelopment of their communities rather than watch it happen around them.
02 · LCA For Change
Founder: Sabine Dieme Erlich
LCA For Change is reimagining how emerging creatives navigate the entertainment industry and creator economy with safety, confidence, and the tools to build sustainable careers. Through its upcoming GreenRoom™ platform, the company is bringing education, vetted industry opportunities, and its Creative Safety Framework™ into one digital ecosystem designed to help creatives make smarter, safer career decisions.
In a city built on entertainment, hospitality, and the creative class, this one speaks directly to what Miami Beach attracts.
03 · The Whole Armor Media
Founder: Chivas Davis
A faith-based entertainment company using the power of storytelling to entertain, educate, and inspire the next generation. Its flagship series, The Whole Armor, is a Christian teen action-drama that brings the message of Ephesians 6:10–18 to life through comics, animation, film, books, and educational media.
With relatable characters and powerful storytelling, the company is creating values-driven content that helps young audiences navigate real-life challenges through faith.
04 · Sail La Vie: Black Yacht Day
Founders: Alexis Brown, Andrew Scott, Shakyra Chrysostome & Adam Payne
Miami Beach is known around the world for its luxury, hospitality, and boating culture, but getting on the water isn’t always as accessible as it looks. Black Yacht Day is changing that through curated shared experiences that make Miami’s boating lifestyle more approachable while creating economic opportunities for local charter companies, captains, chefs, DJs, photographers, and hospitality partners.
The vision goes beyond a day on the water. Black Yacht Day aims to become a signature cultural tourism experience that brings locals and travelers together while driving economic impact throughout Miami Beach.
05 · Phlare X
Founder: Zakiyaa Jada
An on-demand marketplace making professional self-care as easy to access as booking a rideshare. Phlare X connects consumers with licensed beauty, grooming, and wellness professionals who travel directly to them, from barbers and estheticians to makeup artists, massage professionals, and more.
The platform isn’t just about convenience. It’s designed to help licensed professionals grow their businesses through greater visibility, new clients, and business management tools. Technology meets the personal services industry, expanding access on both sides.
The Judges
These aren’t passive observers. Each judge sits at the intersection of policy, economic development, and community advocacy in Miami Beach.
Steven Anthony · Director of Economic Development, City of Miami Beach
Leads the city’s strategy for attracting businesses, fostering innovation, and strengthening the commercial ecosystem.
Glendon Hall · Chair, Black Affairs Advisory Committee, City of Miami Beach
An influential community leader committed to amplifying Black voices and creating pathways for equity and entrepreneurship across Miami Beach.
Timothy Merriman Jr. · Vice Chair, BPN Miami Advisory Council · Merriman Commercial
Real estate professional and council leader lending commercial expertise and community insight to the panel.
You Don’t Have to Pitch to Win
Every business owner who registers and checks in at Pitch the Beach is automatically entered into a raffle to win:
✦ $250 gift cards
✦ @bpn.summit conference tickets
✦ Free promo and editorial through BPN’s social media and newsletter
Show up. Check in. You’re in the drawing. Plus City of Miami Beach announced $1 per hour parking!
The Details
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Casa Matilda, 411 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
Format: Pitch Competition + Networking Mixer
Price: Free
RSVP on Eventbrite → here
Pitch the Beach is produced by the Black Professionals Network in partnership with the City of Miami Beach.