#USA #New York #Elite Media #Keep it 100 #MADE

MADE Secures Victory in the 'Keep It 100' Pitch Competition

In a groundbreaking moment for Black entrepreneurs, the verification system known as MADE emerged victorious during the first-ever "Keep It 100" Pitch Competition sponsored by Elite Media. The event was held at The One Club's conference entitled, "Where Are All the Black People", in New York City on October 17, 2025.

MADE, founded by Tommy Johnson, was awarded a substantial $50,000 grant, a testament to its mission of safeguarding and celebrating Black creativity in the business world. The grant was presented to Johnson by Chris Crawford, the founder of Elite Media, amidst an atmosphere brimming with innovation and excitement.

The Significance of the Competition

The "Keep It 100" Pitch Competition was established as a platform to encourage and uplift Black entrepreneurs who are ready to make a difference in their communities. Each finalist not only had the chance to showcase their ideas but also received $12,500 each toward their business pursuits — a unique support structure that underlines the competition's commitment to fostering growth.

The five finalists included:

• - Mec Zilla, founder of CrackedVC, a new venture capital replacement system.
• - Morgan Means, who heads Evental, a digital marketplace for real-time booking.
• - Adam Franklin from Twendi, a sports media outlet emphasizing narratives from African and diaspora athletes.
• - Ayo Abigail, a pioneer in the “empowerment jewelry” movement, leading Walk of Same.

Tommy Johnson's innovative approach with MADE won the judges over, aligning with the conference's aim of spotlighting Black entrepreneurship and creativity. In Crawford's words, the competition is about recognizing and celebrating community collaboration and the audacity of those who dare to dream big.

Making a Change in the Industry

The inception of the competition highlights a critical movement led by Elite Media, a Harlem-based, Black-owned, and women-led agency. The agency is devoted to creating change in the industry by promoting business models that not only thrive economically but also uplift community values.

Crawford expressed his pride in facilitating the inaugural event, stating that it symbolizes hope and showcases the immense potential within the Black community. Each participant brought unique flavors of innovation and ambition that lit up the stage. The vision is clear: to foster a supportive ecosystem for Black creatives who aspire to leave significant impacts on their fields.

As MADE prepares to utilize its award, there’s no verifying how this competition will ripple through the entrepreneurial landscape, possibly inspiring further initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. The goal remains steadfast: to challenge entrepreneurs to transform their dreams into reality and take their place in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

In conclusion, the 'Keep It 100' Pitch Competition was not just about winners and losers; it epitomized a movement towards inclusivity, recognition, and support for Black creatives. With initiatives like this, the barriers faced by minority entrepreneurs are slowly crumbling, paving the way for a more equitable business landscape in the years to come.