We love Birmingham startups. Apparently, so does the YWCA USA. Two local businesswomen represented Alabama in the YWCA USA WE360° Virtual Pitch Competition. Keep reading to learn how these business ideas wowed the crowd and ways you can support.

The business idea that wowed the crowd

ywca central al — R.I.B.S by LaKisha Cargill won fifth place in the YWCA Virtual Pitch Competition. Photos via YWCA Central Alabama

Birmingham is full of entrepreneurs and one of them recently excelled in the YWCA USA WE360° Virtual Pitch Competition. Entrepreneur LaKisha Cargill had the opportunity to pitch her business ideas and secured the fifth spot in the contest.

YWCA USA WE360° is a national contest for women leveling up their businesses or starting one. Want to know more about the business that came in fifth in the competition? LaKisha Cargill’s apparel company, the Real Inspiring Black Sista (R.I.B.S), was the runner-up and took home $5,000. The top prize was $15K!

“I am thankful to YWCA Central Alabama and the WE360° program for this amazing opportunity. Thank you to P&G and the judges and the YWCAs across America for helping RIBS expand our vision.”
LaKisha Cargill, Founder, Real Inspiring Black Sista (via press release)

Cargill is actually the third YWCA Central Alabama WE360° participant chosen to pitch in the contest. With her prize money, she plans to hire team members for RIBS’ social accounts and officially launch in February 2022.

YWCA Central Alabama has been empowering women for over 100 years

A lot of us are familiar with YWCA Central Alabama and its work. For those who are not, it is an association of the YWCA. YWCA is a social justice organization that empowers women, eliminates racism and promotes peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The organization has helped families and strengthen communities through programs and services that include:

Child Development Centers
Affordable Housing
Domestic Violence Services
Family Resource Center in Woodlawn

Their Women’s Empowerment 360° program puts women on the path to starting a successful business.

Location: 309 23rd Street North Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Monday-Friday 7AM-4PM
Contact: 205-322-9922
Website | Facebook | Instagram

But wait, there’s more to YWCA USA WE360°

Cargill isn’t the only Alabama-based businesswoman who gets to shine. Yawntreshia Coleman, owner of Magic City Food Tours & Luxury Picnics, will promote her business in December. Magic City Food Tours & Luxury Picnics doubles as a scavenger hunt food tour and pop-up picnic company.

Interestingly enough, the business started as a way to support locals during COVID and gave families and friends a way to safely spend time together. According to the press release, Coleman has always desired to create unique, memorable experiences and her business does exactly that.

She pitches her business at the competition on Wednesday, December 8 from 2-4PM.

Has YWCA Central Alabama WE360° helped your business? Tag us @BhamNow on socials and let us know.