The Fall 2025 cohort of Start It! Business Basics closed out the year with energy, new ideas and confident pitches as participants completed the 10-week course and presented their business concepts during Pitch Night on December 23.
Start It! Business Basics is designed for early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to validate a business idea, learn foundational startup skills and build momentum alongside peers. Over the course of ten weeks participants learned from business advisors and subject-matter experts on topics such as defining a value proposition, identifying customers, financial modeling, market validation and preparing for launch. The course is powered by CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub with guidance and support from the region’s Startup Business Advisors.
Fall 2025 Cohort Participants:
• Tori Shaw
• Clifford Ryan Jr., United Society (Community Favorite)
• Liza Bernard
• Kiro and Krissy Dimitrovski, Get Grilled
• Kevin Lim, Always AwAire
• Choncie Stith, FAMILY TYES EVENT CENTER
• Nicole Broadnax, Aham Love
• Ronnie White Jr., MidKnight Legal
• Monté Lawhorn, Born Ninety (Best Concept and Most Engaged)
• Jamilah Damiani, Damiani Home Services (Best Pitch)
• Autumn Linton, Prime Seasons Cuisine
• Roberto Guarneros, Árbol Scapes
Pitch Night served as the capstone of the program and gave each entrepreneur the opportunity to present their concept to an audience of peers and community members. The evening closed with cash awards and recognitions for standout participants.
And the winners are
Best Pitch $500
Jamilah Damiani
Best Concept $350
Monté Lawhorn
Most Engaged
Monté Lawhorn
Community Favorite
Clifford Ryan Jr.
“I’m proud to say that during this journey these entrepreneurs sharpened their business acumen, forged meaningful connections and created a network to lean on in the future,” said Start It! facilitator and CenterState CEO Business Advisor Greg Ayers.
The Start It! Business Basics program will return for its next cohort beginning February 2, 2026 at Blueprint 15 in Syracuse. The course runs Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. for ten weeks and is offered at no cost.
Applications are now open for aspiring founders, early-stage entrepreneurs and community members with business ideas who want structured support, accountability and real-world startup tools to move forward.
Apply here:
https://saltcitymarket.typeform.com/to/f3eARG3Z?typeform-source=centerstateceo.com
