Nipsey Hussle business grant $100K pitch contest announced

In an enduring testament to his legacy, Nipsey Hussle is posthumously contributing to entrepreneurial growth through the Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition. Partnered with Earn Your Leisure (EYL), this initiative will debut at the third annual Invest Fest, a pivotal event for entrepreneurs and business aficionados.

Nipsey Hussle: A Legacy of Empowerment

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Nipsey Hussle was a renowned rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist whose life was tragically cut short in 2019. Hussle’s legacy is deeply rooted in his efforts to uplift his community, particularly through business ventures and investments to foster economic self-sufficiency and empowerment. His Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles symbolized his commitment to economic and community development, serving as a retail outlet and a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Pitch Competition

The Nipsey Hussle Business Grant aims to celebrate and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit, substantially boosting emerging business leaders. In collaboration with Microsoft and The Marathon, EYL will grant $100,000 to one exceptional entrepreneur to expand their business model. This initiative reflects Hussle’s mission to inspire and support future leaders, continuing his efforts to create opportunities within underserved communities.

The competition is meticulously structured to highlight four finalists, each allowed to present their business pitches on the main stage at Invest Fest 2024. Each finalist will have three minutes to articulate their vision, supported by a visual presentation of the same duration. After each pitch, a panel of judges will provide feedback and scores, including notable figures such as Blacc Sam, Jorge Peniche, and Adam Asghedom from The Marathon, along with EYL co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings.

The competition’s submission window opened on June 3 and will close on August 10. Candidates must be Invest Fest ticket holders and must submit an Instagram video detailing their business and explaining how the $100,000 grant will further their ambitions. The videos must tag @investfestival, @themarathonclothing, and @earnyourleisure. Finalists will be notified via email on August 16.

Invest Fest 2024

Scheduled for August 24-25 in Atlanta, Invest Fest 2024 promises a dynamic lineup of speakers and activities—esteemed personalities such as Steve Harvey, Daymond John, Steve Stoute, T.I., Will. I. Am, and Stephen A. Smith will share their insights and experiences, making the event a cornerstone for networking and learning. The festival offers a unique platform for entrepreneurs to gain valuable knowledge and make impactful connections.