Elite Media has awarded $100,000 to five Black-owned businesses through its inaugural pitch competition. The “Keep It 100” event took place on October 17 at The One Club’s “Where Are All the Black People” Conference in New York City. This investment represents the company’s commitment to supporting creators who advance culture and community.
MADE, a verification system protecting Black creativity, won the grand prize of $50,000. Four other finalists each received $12,500 to support their innovative ventures. The competition showcased groundbreaking ideas from Black entrepreneurs across multiple industries.
MADE Wins $50,000 Grand Prize for Protecting Black Creativity
Tommy Johnson, founder and CEO of MADE, took home the top prize. His platform stood out for its mission to uplift Black-owned businesses and safeguard Black creativity. The verification system addresses critical needs in protecting intellectual property and cultural contributions.
Elite Media Founder and CEO Chris Crawford presented the award personally. “The ‘Keep It 100’ pitch competition celebrates the power of attention, the power of purpose, the power of supporting one another,” Crawford stated. He emphasized that the event represented a community victory.
Crawford praised all contestants for their exceptional presentations. “Every contestant brought it. Their audacity and ambition was on full display,” he noted. Elite Media expressed pride in helping this inaugural group bring their visionary ideas to life.
Four Finalists Receive $12,500 Each for Innovative Business Concepts
Mec Zilla, founder of CrackedVC, presented a new system designed to replace traditional venture capital. The platform aims to democratize funding access for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Traditional VC models often exclude Black founders from critical early-stage funding.
Morgan Means, CEO and founder of Evental, pitched a digital marketplace for suppliers. The platform helps vendors monetize inventory while offering real-time pricing and booking capabilities. This solution addresses inefficiencies in event planning and supplier management.
Adam Franklin of Twendi showcased a sports media platform highlighting African and diaspora athletes. The platform uses cinematic short-form storytelling to celebrate underrepresented athletic talent. Twendi fills gaps in mainstream sports media coverage.
Empowerment Jewelry Brand Walk of Same Receives Investment
Ayo Abigail, director of Strategy and Outreach for Walk of Same, rounded out the finalists. The brand pioneers “empowerment jewelry” that fuses fashion with purpose. Each piece carries meaning beyond aesthetic appeal.
Walk of Same represents a growing trend of purpose-driven fashion brands. These companies merge style with social impact messaging. The concept resonates with consumers seeking purchases that reflect their values.
All five finalists demonstrated innovation addressing real problems in their respective industries. Their diverse approaches showcase the breadth of entrepreneurial talent in Black communities. Each business offers solutions that serve underrepresented markets effectively.
Black-Owned, Women-Led Agency Funds Competition From Own Resources
Elite Media is a Black-owned, women-led advertising agency based in Harlem. The company committed to helping creators bring their visions to life through direct investment. This approach differs from traditional corporate social responsibility programs.
The $100,000 prize money came directly from Elite Media’s own agency funds. This financial commitment demonstrates genuine investment beyond symbolic gestures. The company put its resources where its stated values lie.
Elite Media has already invested upwards of $2 million in the Harlem community. These investments support the neighborhood that nurtures the agency’s success. Crawford sees this as returning value to communities that create cultural capital.
Elite Media Challenges Industry Leaders to Match Investment
Crawford issued a challenge to advertisers, brands, and industry leaders. She urged them to match Elite’s investment in creators and entrepreneurs. The competition aims to spark broader industry participation in supporting Black innovation.
“The time for disruption is now–our communities deserve action,” Crawford declared when announcing the competition. She emphasized moving beyond performative gestures toward meaningful change. Words without financial backing don’t create real transformation.
Crawford criticized reliance on vanity metrics in corporate diversity efforts. “We are now challenging the industry and convening spaces to move past the vanity metrics,” she explained. Real change requires “real-time domino effects” that transform communities fundamentally.
Supporting Non-Traditional Spaces and Entrepreneurial Vision
Elite Media intentionally focuses on non-traditional spaces within the advertising industry. This approach recognizes that conventional pathways often exclude Black entrepreneurs. Alternative spaces foster innovation that traditional systems overlook.
The “Keep It 100” competition provides more than just funding. It offers visibility, validation, and networking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Winners gain access to Elite Media’s industry connections and expertise.
Crawford emphasized the importance of helping entrepreneurs “bring their visionary ideas to life.” Capital alone doesn’t guarantee success. Entrepreneurs also need mentorship, connections, and platforms that amplify their work.
The Power of Community-Centered Investment Models
Elite Media’s approach demonstrates an alternative investment model. Rather than waiting for external funding, the agency invested its own resources. This self-determination creates immediate impact without bureaucratic delays.
Community-centered investment recognizes that Black businesses often face funding gaps. Traditional venture capital overlooks many viable Black-owned businesses. Community investment fills these critical gaps with culturally competent support.
The model also keeps wealth circulating within Black communities. When Black-owned agencies invest in Black entrepreneurs, economic benefits compound. This circulation builds community wealth more effectively than external investment alone.
Creating Ripple Effects Beyond Individual Winners
The competition’s impact extends beyond the five winners. Other participants gained pitch experience and industry exposure. The event itself raised awareness about Black entrepreneurial innovation.
Crawford spoke about creating “domino effects of change that will transform communities.” One company’s investment can inspire others to follow suit. Collective action multiplies individual contributions exponentially.
The public nature of the competition holds Elite Media accountable. Other agencies now face implicit pressure to demonstrate similar commitment. Visibility creates accountability that private investments don’t generate.
Where Black Creativity Meets Capital and Community Support
The “Where Are All the Black People” Conference provided the perfect venue. The setting emphasized the competition’s mission of addressing representation gaps. Elite Media chose a space explicitly focused on Black inclusion.
The One Club’s conference attracts industry leaders committed to diversity. Hosting the competition there ensured the right audience witnessed the investment. Strategic placement maximizes impact and influence.
This intentional positioning demonstrates Elite Media’s understanding of cultural moments. The company didn’t just invest money—it invested strategically in spaces where conversation and action converge.
