Kauffman FastTrac NewVenture™ pitch competition
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The Youth Institute in the 10th Anniversary Kauffman FastTrac NewVenture™ pitch competition in NSU Broward Center of Innovation
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The International Youth Institute (Youth Institute USA), represented by its Founder Mr. Gabriel MVOGO SAINT, participated in the 10th Anniversary Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture™ Pitch Competition & Graduation, a flagship entrepreneurship event hosted by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD).
The event took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the NSU Broward Center of Innovation at the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This milestone event marked ten years of impact and excellence for the Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture™ program, which has played a critical role in supporting small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs across Broward County. The evening opened with a pitch competition, featuring the top three business plans selected from the 2025 cohort, followed by the official graduation ceremony of program participants.
The 2025 Pitch Competition winners were awarded seed funding as follows:
- First Place – $10,000: Anniesha McDonald for « Pompano Beauty Academy«
- Second Place – $7,500: Wali Shareef for « Follow-Up Now«
- Third Place – $5,000: Michael Stover for « Tunez Footwear Inc.«
New to this anniversary edition, alumni from previous Kauffman FastTrac cohorts were invited to showcase their businesses, reconnect with fellow graduates, and engage with the broader entrepreneurial community, reinforcing long-term collaboration and knowledge sharing.
International Youth Institute’s engagement
The participation of the International Youth Institute underscores its commitment to youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic empowerment at both national and international levels. Represented by its Founder, Mr. Gabriel MVOGO SAINT, the Institute reaffirmed its dedication to supporting initiatives that foster business creation, leadership development, and inclusive economic growth, particularly for young entrepreneurs operating in diverse and globalized environments.
The NSU Broward Center of Innovation and the International Youth Institute share a strong strategic alignment centered on innovation, entrepreneurship, talent development, and ecosystem building. Both institutions are committed to bridging education, business incubation, and applied innovation, while creating pathways for young leaders and entrepreneurs to access resources, mentorship, and scalable opportunities. This convergence makes the NSU Broward Center of Innovation a natural hub for collaboration and future joint initiatives.
Acknowledgements
The International Youth Institute extends its sincere appreciation to:
Ms. Maribel Feliciano, Director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), for her leadership and continued commitment to advancing economic development and small business growth across Broward County.
Mr. Olatunji Ajani, Executive Director of Kauffman FastTrac and 1 Million Cups, for his outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication to entrepreneurial education and community building.
Ms. Paola Isaac Baraya, International Chief Economic Development Officer – Trade & Protocol at OESBD, for her vital role in strengthening international trade engagement and fostering global connectivity within Broward County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The 10th Anniversary Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture™ Pitch Competition & Graduation once again highlighted the strength, diversity, and resilience of Broward County’s entrepreneurial community and the importance of sustained collaboration between public institutions, innovation centers, and international organizations in building an inclusive and forward-looking economy.
