Broward County Celebrates New Wave of Entrepreneurs at Kauffman FastTrac Pitch Competition

In Broward County, budding business owners from the Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture™ program are set to showcase their innovative ideas at the annual Pitch Competition. This event, which will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, marks the culmination of an intensive training program designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need for success.

The Kauffman FastTrac program aims to foster growth and confidence among local entrepreneurs, providing them with the clarity needed to navigate the business landscape. The competition is a highlight of the program, where three finalists will pitch their business plans to a panel of distinguished judges. These judges include Michael Burtov, Chief Innovation Officer at Nova Southeastern University, Melissa P. Dunn, CEO of MD Marketing Network, and Martita Mestéy-Durruthy, an AgTech strategist.

Finalists will vie for seed funding, which includes $10,000 for first place, $7,500 for second, and $5,000 for third. This funding has historically enabled entrepreneurs to make significant strides, such as developing prototypes and expanding marketing efforts.

The event is more than a competition; it’s a community celebration. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an exhibit hall featuring alumni from past FastTrac cohorts, underscoring the ongoing innovation within Broward County.

Maribel Feliciano, Director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, praised the participants for their creativity and dedication, noting how their efforts continue to bolster the local economy.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development to support small businesses and enhance economic resilience. Events like the Kauffman FastTrac Pitch Competition highlight the county’s commitment to nurturing local talent and providing entrepreneurs with platforms to succeed.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event to support local entrepreneurs as they take bold steps towards growing their businesses.

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