A Safe Space’s Community Pitch Event Helps Raise $1,200 for Brooklyn’s Emerging Entrepreneurs

image courtesy of A safe space

On Thursday, November 6, over 40 aspiring entrepreneurs gathered at Brooklyn’s Saint James Libations for The People’s Pitch, a mentorship-driven event organized by A Safe Space. The nonprofit, dedicated to empowering BIPOC creators and community leaders, is expanding beyond workshops and wellness programs into community-driven funding, providing local visionaries new opportunities to grow creatively, professionally, and financially.

The night was full of energy, inspiration, and collaboration. Over 40 community builders and aspiring entrepreneurs came together for The People’s Pitch, with 10 randomly selected to present their ideas in a mini pitch competition. Brothers Express, emerged as the winner taking home $2,000 to support their project. The panel of judges — Joel Leon, Natalie Browne (Director of Community growth at Topicals), MaNushka (co-founder of The Layout Co.), and Yasmine Jameelah (founder of Transparent Black Girl) — provided feedback and guidance, helping participants refine their pitches.

While The People’s Pitch highlighted individual projects, its broader significance lies in how it fosters a sustainable, community-driven funding ecosystem for local founders. Unlike traditional routes like investors or organizational grants, this model relies on the community itself: attendees contributed $1,200 through ticket sales toward a $3,000 Spring 2026 prize fund, ensuring future local founders have access to resources and support — all while networking, connecting over drinks, and supporting local businesses like Saint James Libations, where the event was hosted. By centering the community in funding and mentorship, A Safe Space is redefining how local talent can thrive. Events like The People’s Pitch show that when resources, networks, and support come from the community itself, Black creators and entrepreneurs gain not just funding but a lasting ecosystem that nurtures growth.

I’m excited to dive deeper into community-driven funding — I’ve been seeing founders and organizations innovating in this space, and I look forward to exploring and sharing more of what I’ve found.

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