On December 6, Core City: Cleveland Impact Program participant Waverly Willis pitched his business, Urban Kutz Barbershop, during the program’s culminating entrepreneur showcase—taking home the top prize of $10,000 to grow his business.

At Urban Kutz, Waverly juggles duty as a part-time marriage counselor, psychiatrist, spiritual advisor, voice of reason and expert listener, all while being a full-time professional barber. He takes pride in providing an upbeat, diverse and enjoyable atmosphere for all his clientele. That’s probably why his business has been voted Best Barbershop by Cleveland’s Hotlist.

After the competition, we had a chance to catch up with Waverly to discuss the experience, his unique pitch preparation and how he plans to expand Urban Kutz Barbershop using his prize money.

JumpStart’s Core City: Cleveland Impact Program, is an intensive business assistance program designed to support the development and growth of businesses located within Cleveland’s core neighborhoods.

We’re now accepting applications for Spring 2018. Email us at [email protected] to get your application. Submissions are due by January 19.