The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced seven finalists for the 2023 pitch competition presented by Bank of America at the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. The finalists were selected out of 47 applicants from across the U.S. including Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania and several from Iowa. One additional competitor from the applicant pool will also be chosen at random the day of the pitch competition. Each finalist will give a five-minute pitch in front of judges. This year’s finalists include Bri’s Dance Place, Coffee for a Cause, Kut Kings, Louisiana Creole Pecan Candy, Manifest Your Purpose, QuikLiq and the Joy of Curls. Since 2021, $52,000 has been awarded to 20 business owners of color. $30,000 has been raised so far for the 2023 purse. Those interested in investing in the pitch prize purse can do so at this link. The Black & Brown Business Summit will be held April 20-21 at the Athene headquarters in West Des Moines. More information and registration is available on the event page.