Philip Morris International and Urban League Team Up to Boost Small Businesses in Florida

PMI U.S. and Urban League of Broward County: A Partnership for Economic Development

On November 17, 2025, Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) announced an exciting new partnership with the Urban League of Broward County (ULBC), aimed at fostering economic development for small businesses within the region. This collaboration comes with a substantial funding commitment of $400,000 to ULBC over the next three years, showcasing a tangible investment in local entrepreneurs and community empowerment.

Purpose and Goals of the Partnership

The Urban League of Broward County is well-known for its dedication to improving the lives of people through various initiatives centered on education, entrepreneurship, and health, among others. PMI U.S. aims to leverage ULBC’s extensive community outreach to create a positive impact on small businesses struggling to find opportunities amid economic challenges.

As part of this partnership, PMI U.S. and ULBC organized the PowerPitch South Florida event. This engaging one-day summit was not just a pitch competition; it was a celebration of creativity and innovation with a primary focus on unlocking economic potential in the regional small business landscape. Participants had the chance to compete for seed funding, mentoring, and exposure to a wider network of resources, enabling them to turn their business ideas into reality.

The PowerPitch Competition

During the PowerPitch event, participants showcased their innovative business ideas in front of a panel of expert judges, making a case for why they deserve funding and support. The stakes were high, as this was more than just a contest; it was an opportunity to gain invaluable mentorship and networking that could propel their operations forward. The winner, Kimba Williams, the founder and CEO of Kushae, secured a prize of $25,000 to help scale her business operations. Runners-up Nadia Davis and Kay Richardson received $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

This competitive atmosphere not only rewarded successful pitches but also empowered all participants by providing them with exposure and feedback from experienced professionals who understand the challenges of running a small business.

Philanthropic Commitment

PMI U.S. is not new to philanthropic efforts; this recent donation is part of a more extensive strategy to challenge traditional corporate social responsibility practices. By putting a spotlight on under-resourced communities and facilitating entrepreneurship, PMI seeks to contribute positively to society. Beyond the partnership with ULBC, PMI U.S. has allocated over $1,000,000 to support various charitable initiatives in Florida, including organizations that focus on tackling pressing social issues from human trafficking to providing resources for veterans.

Quotes from Leadership

Moyer McCoy, the Director of External Affairs and the Head of Social Impact at PMI U.S., expressed the importance of practical philanthropy, stating, _“The Urban League of Broward County is a quintessential partner in our mission to put pragmatic philanthropy in action here in South Florida.”_ He emphasized that this collaboration opens doors to capital and connections for local entrepreneurs, enabling them to create lasting community impacts.

Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, the President and CEO of ULBC, underscored the partnership's importance, saying, _“By investing in our neighbors, PMI U.S. is helping small business owners do what they do best: build, create, and keep our community strong.”_ Her comments highlight the positive ripple effects that such partnerships can have when it comes to community development and economic stability.

Moving Forward

As PMI U.S. continues to invest in America's future and advocates for a smoke-free nation, initiatives like these illustrate their commitment not only to their business objectives but also to the wider community. By placing a strong emphasis on practical solutions to real-world challenges, PMI U.S. and ULBC's partnership stands as a model for responsible corporate engagement that genuinely prioritizes community upliftment.

For more information on this partnership or the Urban League of Broward County’s initiatives, visit UL Broward.