Six Black entrepreneurs from across Arizona pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges during Local First Arizona’s annual We Rise Demo Day, held June 18 at 850 PBC in downtown Phoenix.

The top award, a $10,000 Arizona Financial Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant, was given to Agnes Adams of Yond Institute of Learning in Goodyear. The grant is named in honor of Kelvin Smith, a longtime small business advocate who served on Arizona Financial’s board since 1997.

The event followed a Shark Tank-style format, featuring presentations from We Rise Business Accelerator graduates. First, second, and third-place winners received grant funding to support the next phase of their growth:

• First Place: Agnes Adams of Yond Institute of Learning, based in Goodyear.
• Second Place: Michelle Fort of Holy Hands Painters, based in Glendale.
• Third Place: Darlene Little of Small World Trade and Travel, based in Phoenix.

The Yond Institute of Learning is a vocational school with a mission to provide students with high-quality training programs in the healthcare field. The school offers flexible scheduling options, affordable tuition and a supportive learning environment.

“Demo Day is one of our most anticipated events each year — it's a chance for our graduates to shine and take their businesses to the next level,” said Carmen Attikossie, senior small business development manager at Local First Arizona. “We’re so grateful for the continued support of Arizona Financial and Growth Partners who not only show up on Demo Day but guide our participants throughout the program.”

The We Rise Business Accelerator, launched by Local First Arizona in 2021, is a six-month program aimed at equipping Black entrepreneurs in Arizona with practical business skills. Participants receive classroom instruction and mentorship from experienced Black business owners.

Since the program’s inception, Arizona Financial Credit Union has supported We Rise through financial sponsorship and by offering training on managing business finances.

“Our team is honored to support the We Rise program,” said Amy Hysell, president and CEO of Arizona Financial. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community. Seeing the energy, passion, and thoughtfulness these entrepreneurs bring to Demo Day is inspiring and while we name a winner, they’re all deserving of recognition.”

For more information about the We Rise Business Accelerator, visit localfirstaz.com/we-rise. To learn more about Arizona Financial’s community partnerships and grant opportunities, visit arizonafinancial.org/community.