Nine local founders complete Beyond Housing’s business accelerator, with three earning top honors during the recent annual pitch competition
On June 24, a sold-out crowd of 250 supporters gathered at Beyond Housing to celebrate one thing: local entrepreneurs turning big ideas into growing businesses.
The evening marked the culmination of the fourth cohort of Biz Smart Start, Beyond Housing’s annual small business accelerator that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the coaching, mentorship, and practical tools needed to launch and grow successful businesses. Earlier this year, the program attracted 110 applicants, with just nine founders selected to participate in the intensive 11-week program.
The nine entrepreneurs took the stage one by one, presenting their businesses in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition before a panel of judges. Following months of refining their business plans, strengthening their financial strategies, and practicing their presentations, each founder competed for cash prizes awarded to the top three pitches.
“This annual pitch competition is always incredibly inspiring, and every year the Biz Smart Start program grows even stronger,” said Beyond Housing President and CEO Chris Krehmeyer. “This is the second year in a row we’ve received more than 100 applications.”
Winners recognized
First place and a $3,000 prize went to Juanika Givens, founder of Nail Doctor Unblemished, a wellness-focused practice specializing in medical pedicures and preventative foot care. Givens serves many clients living with diabetes and other foot-related health challenges, providing specialized care not typically available through traditional nail salons. Beyond treating clients, she is passionate about educating both consumers and professionals on the importance of proper foot care and helping elevate pedicures from a luxury service to an essential part of overall wellness.
Second place and a $2,000 prize was awarded to Ce Ce Williams, founder of Krafty Kravings. What began as a cookie business has grown into a broader educational mission. Today, Williams teaches baking classes for children and has developed a STEM-based curriculum that partners with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to introduce young people to baking, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Third place and a $1,000 prize went to Matt Quarells, founder of Road to Success, a motivational consulting and personal development business that helps men—from teenagers through adulthood—build discipline, confidence, and purpose through intentional personal growth. Quarells has also created and published his own success journal as another resource to help clients achieve their goals.
Building businesses—and community
While three founders received top honors, every participant completed the program with more than a business plan. Throughout the 11-week accelerator, founders received one-on-one coaching, expert guidance, networking opportunities, seed funding, and practical business training designed to help turn promising ideas into sustainable businesses.
This year’s program also featured a new partnership with Maryville University, whose business school provided participants with 120 days of access to online business credit courses. Cohort members embraced the opportunity, achieving one of the university’s highest engagement rates for the program.
Biz Smart Start reflects Beyond Housing’s broader commitment to economic mobility by helping local entrepreneurs build businesses that create jobs, generate wealth, and strengthen the communities they serve. As the fourth cohort demonstrated before a packed audience, the future of small business in North St. Louis County is already taking shape.
