January 8, 2024 – In an effort to promote economic mobility in Charlotte, Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) today announced that applications for the fourth Hornets Innovation Summit Presented by Bank of America are now being accepted. Applications are being accepted from minority entrepreneurs and businesses located within 150
miles of Spectrum Centre that are at least 51% operated and controlled by members of a minority group (i.e., individuals who are at least 25% Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Native American). One applicant will receive a $15,000 investment from the Charlotte Hornets.
Applications will conclude on Wednesday, January 31 and are available now at hornets.com/innovationsummit. The one-minute pitch films of those who advance to Round 2 will be made available for public voting on hornets.com and social media platforms. The winners, who will be chosen by a combination of internal committee and fan voting, will then present their company and/or product live to an expert panel in March at Spectrum Centre.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Betsy Mack said, “The Innovation Summit is one of our favourite annual initiatives, and we’re thrilled to be working with Bank of America to provide social and financial capital to minority entrepreneurs and businesses within our community.” Over the past three years, we’ve met some amazing people who are doing very amazing work, and we’re honoured to have had a little part in their company path. We’re excited to meet more amazing entrepreneurs and see this year’s pitches.
