On May 9, Core City: Cleveland Impact Program participant Tiwanna Williams pitched her business, PearlFlower Catering, during the program’s culminating entrepreneur showcase—taking home the top prize of $10,000 to grow her business.

Inspired by both the kitchen skills and strong work ethic of her two grandmothers, in 2010 Tiwanna left behind a nursing career to pursue one of her greatest passions—cooking. Since then, Tiwanna has built a successful catering business around a commitment to creating personalized menus using locally sourced ingredients, coupled with a unique and engaging experience that clients won’t soon forget.

After the competition, we had a chance to catch up with Tiwanna to discuss her showcase pitch experience and how she plans to grow PearlFlower Catering using her 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 Fall 2018—click here to apply. Submissions are due by August 3.