Jersey City, NJ (PRWEB) October 27, 2015
Jersey City nonprofit, Rising Tide Capital (RTC), will host its 4th Annual Start Something Champions Gala on Thursday, November 5, 6 pm at the Liberty House Restaurant. The gala honors local and national entrepreneurial leaders and awards the winners of the 2015 Start Something Challenge(SSC).
“The Start Something Challenge gave me the opportunity to align myself with very talented, creative and like-minded entrepreneurs who are all committed to growing and developing their passions into profitable businesses. I acquired a support network and lifelong friendships that I'm sure will lead to growth and continued success in all of our ownership endeavors,” SSC first place winner, Omar Ruffin said.
The Champions Gala is the culmination of RTC’s SSC—a business pitch competition that empowers New Jersey entrepreneurs to network, gain exposure and win business financing. During the Gala, all of the ten finalists of the 2015 SSC will be recognized. The three winners will be awarded a total of $22,500 in business financing; the other seven finalists will be awarded iPads to assist in their business endeavors.
“It takes businesses of all sizes to create vibrant local economies, and our gala is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship at all levels,” said Alfa Demmellash,” CEO of Rising Tide Capital. “This year, all of our Challenge finalists have businesses that are committed to meeting a need in their communities in some way. We are proud to recognize them alongside some very important business leaders who share similar values. We are honoring entrepreneurs who aren’t just content to build businesses, but are invested in building communities as well.”
In addition to the SSC finalists, Rising Tide Capital will honor Sheri Sobrato with the “Entrepreneurial Award for Philanthropy,” and two Jersey City natives. Paul Silverman, principal of SILVERMAN, will be recognized as the 2015 “Community Builder of the Year” and Kevin Cummings, CEO of Investors Bank, will be recognized as “Corporate Entrepreneur of the Year.”
The Challenge and Gala are underwritten by several collaborating organizations—including JPMorgan Chase, the SSC’s lead sponsor, as part of their commitment to small businesses and entrepreneurship. The four-year partnership between RTC and JPMorgan Chase has resulted in $500,000 donated to in support of the Start Something Challenge.
The gala raises funds for entrepreneurial development in underserved communities across New Jersey by providing scholarships for Rising Tide Capital’s signature 12-week Community Business Academy (CBA). The CBA educates entrepreneurs on how to start, grow and sustain their businesses. There are still a limited number of tickets available for Rising Tide Capital’s 4th Annual Start Something Champions Gala. If you would like to attend, or make a donation in support of RTC’s work, please click here.
Rising Tide Capital (RTC) is a Jersey City-based nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by Harvard graduates Alex Forrester and Alfa Demmellash. RTC helps entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses by providing a 12-week Community Business Academy—supplemented by year-round workshops, coaching and networking events. These programs are currently offered in Spanish and in English in four cities across Northern New Jersey: Jersey City, Newark, Union City, and Orange Township. As of June 2014, 1114 entrepreneurs have graduated from the CBA and together, they operate 515 businesses in New Jersey. RTC’s model of entrepreneurship development has received national recognition from President Obama to CNN Heroes.
To learn more, visit http://www.RisingTideCapital.org.
The Start Something Challenge (SSC) is a statewide pitch competition and business strengthening opportunity for New Jersey entrepreneurs. The Challenge is funded by visionary supporters and organized by Rising Tide Capital, a non-profit organization that helps entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses. To ensure that every participant has a chance to win the $10,00 top prize, Rising Tide Capital provides each entrant with hands-on coaching and mentorship. Free to enter, the competition is open to any New Jersey resident 18 years or older, who operates a micro business or has a strong business idea. To date, 344 entrepreneurs from 78 towns and cities representing 17 counties in New Jersey completed applications for the Start Something Challenge.