Youngest Participant Wins First Pitch Competition at Tri-C

London Mitchell, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, will elevate his clothing line with grant from the Center for Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition

When he was just 13, London Mitchell officially launched his own clothing line. Now 18, the Cleveland entrepreneur was the youngest participant in the first Center for Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition — and he took home the grand prize.

Held on Aug. 22 at Corporate College® East at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), the competition gave emerging entrepreneurs a platform to present their innovative business ideas while competing for prize money from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation's Startup Grants program.

As one of the 10 selected entrepreneurs, Mitchell had the opportunity to pitch alongside other talented individuals who had completed the rigorous coursework at the Center.

With the grant, the Cleveland native plans to establish a dedicated office space, a crucial step forward in managing inventory, streamlining order fulfillment, and establishing a productive workspace.

He also plans to use a portion of the grant to test paid advertising across various social media platforms, strategically targeting crucial fourth-quarter holiday sales. By leveraging this funding for advertising, Mitchell hopes to transform short-term opportunities into long-term success, increasing his company's visibility and capitalizing on the potential for substantial business growth.

Two things inspired Mitchell to pursue his passion for fashion and enter the world of entrepreneurship: his father, an entrepreneur himself, and a life-threatening car accident in 2020.

"While in the hospital bed, I realized this could be the time to start my fashion entrepreneurial journey," he said.

Unfazed by the prospect of competing against seasoned entrepreneurs, Mitchell embraced the opportunity, viewing it as a valuable learning experience.

"What motivated me to apply to the pitch competition was my age," Mitchell said. "Being the youngest to compete made me go in with a surge of confidence, knowing I have nothing to lose. This was an opportunity and a great experience to compete, no matter the outcome."

October 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu