On Wednesday, in celebration of Small Business Month, the Atlanta Hawks and Paze, the team’s official jersey patch partner, teamed up with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to host ‘Shoot Your Shot,’ a pitch competition designed to spotlight and support innovative RICE stakeholders and entrepreneurs across key industries.

The ‘Shoot Your Shot’ pitch competition brought together RICE stakeholders and entrepreneurs from high-impact sectors, including retail and eCommerce, technology and innovation, entertainment and media, and professional and public services.

Charmaine Gibbs-West, Founder and CEO of EssenceTree, was named the winner of the ‘Shoot Your Shot’ competition presented by Paze, earning a grand prize of $5,000. EssenceTree is an Atlanta-based holistic beauty brand specializing in handcrafted, organic skincare and hair products made with natural ingredients. Second place winner, April Smith, Founder and Creator of OneDay Co., earned $3,000 and third place winner, Matthew C. James, Founder of Immuniscan, earned $1,000.

“I am extremely grateful to the Hawks and Paze for putting on this incredible event for entrepreneurs” said Gibbs-West. “Through my business, EssenceTree, I always want to support the Atlanta culture, and I’m looking forward to putting the capital toward investing into our local economy and giving back to the city of entrepreneurship.”

Nearly 50 entrepreneurs were given the chance to compete, each submitting pitch decks and capability statements for the opportunity to present their ventures and demonstrate their potential on a competitive stage. Following a highly competitive selection process, 10 standout finalists advanced to compete at yesterday’s event at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). 

“At RICE, we remain steadfast and focused on readiness and access to opportunity and exposure,” said Quintin Bostic, Vice President of Partnerships at RICE. “Partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and Paze to empower our Stakeholders in furthering their business growth serves as a powerful affirmation of that mission. The most enduring impact occurs when we provide the platform for entrepreneurs to scale with confidence; this collaboration is a vital cornerstone of our efforts to build tomorrow together, as we intentionally bridge the gap between local innovation and global excellence to ensure our Stakeholders don't just witness the economic future but lead it.”

Winners were selected based on RICE’s rigorous judging criteria and a purpose-built scoring system developed to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process specifically designed for pitch competitions. To honor their hard work and participation, every entrepreneur was also gifted with a commemorative co-branded coaster.

“Congratulations to Charmaine Gibbs-West and her business, EssenceTree,” said Craig Ross, Vice President of Channel Partnerships and Market Development, Paze. “Partnering with the Hawks for the ‘Shoot Your Shot’ competition is an opportunity to support Atlanta’s small business community, and we are thrilled to provide resources and capital that empower these entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and reach new heights. Seeing the caliber of talent and innovation on display yesterday proves just how vital it is to invest in the builders and creators who are driving the future of their industries.”

The program opened with a dynamic networking session, building energy and connection ahead of the main competition. Each finalist then took the stage for a rapid-fire pitch round, delivering a sharp three-minute elevator pitch followed by an intensive two-minute Q&A with a panel of judges, testing both the strength of their ideas and their ability to perform under pressure.

The judges included Quintin Bostic, Vice President of Partnerships at RICE, Ensa Gunter, Investor, Entrepreneur, CFO and Chief Compliance Officer of New Voices Fund, William Leonard, Investor of Valor Ventures, Craig Ross, Vice President of Channel Partnerships and Market Development, Paze, and Melissa Silberman, Vice President of Partnership Development and Insights at the Hawks and State Farm Arena.

“We were incredibly honored to team up with Paze and RICE to provide a platform where visionary entrepreneurs can truly shine,” said the Alexis Roe, Vice President of Community Impact at the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “By combining our resources, we are doing more than just hosting a competition, we are investing in the economic heartbeat of Atlanta. Witnessing the ingenuity and passion of these entrepreneurs reinforces our commitment to fostering an ecosystem where local businesses have the capital and support they need to reach the next level.”

Since launching their partnership in 2025, the Hawks and Paze have established their commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering local business owners through strategic community initiatives. Together, the organizations have committed to bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity, ensuring that Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has the resources and visibility needed to thrive.

To learn more about the partnership between Hawks and Paze, visit Hawks.com/Paze.