FCE+I Pitch Day
An annual event, providing essential seed funding to Ignite businesses
FCE+I's annual Pitch Day competition offers Ignite Entrepreneurs and Ignite alumni the opportunity to compete for a share of $25K in seed funding. Prior to the competition, finalists participate in an eight-week bootcamp that refines every element of their pitch—from business model and market strategy to delivery and judges’ Q&A—before presenting to a panel of judges and a live audience.
Interested in applying for Pitch Day 2027? Add your name to the Ignite Entrepreneurs Interest List so you can be in the running.
Ignite Entrepreneurs Interest List
Meet the 2026 Finalists
These six entrepreneurs took the stage on April 23, 2026 to compete for the grand prize of $10K.
Angela Branch, Founder & CEO of Angela Branch Skin Care
Aleksandra Czajka, Founder & CEO of Bunch
Myra Deshmukh, Founder & CEO of Leadership Lab
Jillian Faulks, Founder & CEO of Majuta Wellness
Dre Harvey, Founder & Owner of Dre's Beauty Supply
Nancy Ogbue, Founder of Business of Social Media
"This boot camp has been the best one that I've ever participated in. The workshops, the mentors, the in-person practice, the other contestants, everything was so valuable and great!"
FCE+I Pitch Day 2026 finalist Dre Harvey
FCE+I Pitch Day Winners
Meet the grand prize winners of FCE+I's Pitch Day competition! These entrepreneurs represent the best of the best, demonstrating ingenuity, grit, and storytelling at its finest.
2026: Angela Branch, Founder & CEO of Angela Branch Skin Care
Founded by chemist-turned-licensed-esthetician Angela Branch, Angela Branch Skin Care is a skincare studio in Newark, NJ that specializes in customized facials, chemical peels, and signature facial treatments, with a focus on multicultural skin care. Angela Branch goes beyond individual treatments, offering adult spa parties, private events, and a membership option. It also sells professional-grade skincare products, including its own Kimana by Angela Branch line, treating diverse skin tones and types for concerns like acne, dark spots, and aging. Learn more at Angela Branch Skin Care.
2025: Chantal Bolivar, Founder & CEO of Crêpes Chantal
Crêpes Chantal is a woman-owned French crêpe company based in Montclair, NJ. It sells organic sweet and savory crêpe mixes, ready-to-heat frozen crêpes, charcuterie-style "CharCrêperie" boards, and its newest product, the Crêpurrito™. But Crêpes Chantal is more than just products; Chantal also offers crêpe-making workshops, catering, and event services — all aimed at bringing convenient, authentic French crêpes to home kitchens.
You can find Crêpes Chantal at the Walnut Street Farmers Market in Montclair and Summit Farmers Market in Summit NJ, or via Crêpes Chantal.
2024: Gabriela Tutalo, Founder of Solano Exp
Solano Exp is a Shopify-based boutique selling sophisticated, handcrafted goods made by Mexican artisans and designers. The shop's collections span jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, and gift boxes — each piece is one-of-a-kind and rooted in traditional Mexican craft techniques blended with modern style. At the heart of Solano Exp is fair trade practices and sustainable materials, aiming to preserve cultural traditions while uplifting the artisans who make the products. Beyond e-commerce, Solano Exp runs a physical pop-up store in Montclair, NJ, offers services, and participates in community events like the Montclair Art Walk. Find out more at Solano Exp.
2023: Annalyce D'Agostino-Gavin
Every day, adults are trying to explain something important to a child: a new routine, a diagnosis, a life skill, a big emotion, or an upcoming change. Focus Posters® helps break down those communication barriers through a visual support-creation platform that empowers parents and professionals to quickly design personalized resources. Through custom illustrations that tranform any child into the main character, each resource reflects who they are and how they learn, helping them better understand care, procedures, routines, and everyday experiences.
In 2026, Annalyce was selected as one of 13 global founders for the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s Milestone Makers program, recognizing her as an emerging innovator in HealthTech. Learn more about Focus Posters® here.
