Winners of Business Plan Pitch Competition

Fall 2025 ∙ Business Development Training

Instructor: Natalia Arellano

Co-Instructor: Viviana Zambrano

Pitching isn’t about winning money. It’s about learning to talk about your business with confidence. Every person in this room did that the day pitched their business for the last day of this training — and that is worth celebrating.

Our judges evaluated each presentation based on clarity of vision, feasibility, financial understanding, and the ability to clearly communicate impact. The businesses selected stood out for transforming strong ideas into clear, well-thought-out, and executable plans.

These entrepreneurs refined their pitches and business plans over the course of the training, with guidance and preparation support from our instructional team. With that, we’re excited to recognize the businesses that most closely reflected these criteria.

Winners of Business Plan Pitch Competition

Spanish BD Training Class

🥉Tofuri’s Cleaning Services LLC

🥉Tofuri’s Cleaning Services LLC

Our third place winner is Tofuri’s Cleaning Services LLC serves Riverview and the surrounding areas, providing commercial, residential, Airbnb, and post-construction cleaning services. Led by founder Doriela Tofuri, this business stood out for its professionalism, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of its market. Please join me in congratulating our third place winner, Tofuri’s Cleaning Services LLC!

🥈Mi Casita Laundry

🥈Mi Casita Laundry

Our second-place winner is a business rooted in perseverance, community, and long-term vision. After more than 20 years of dreaming and determination, the only laundromat in Wimauma became a reality through persistence, teamwork, and faith.

Led by Jesus Lopez and his associate, Tarcila Pimentel, this business fills a critical community need and stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when commitment meets purpose. Please join us in congratulating our second-place winner!

🥇Mi Vaquita Bakery

🥇Mi Vaquita Bakery

Our First Place Winner is Mi Vaquita Bakery. Inspired by the authentic flavors of Venezuela, Mi Vaquita Bakery is an emerging venture focused on handcrafted baked goods made with tradition, care, and purpose.

Their vision combines high-quality products with a strong social mission to give back to communities in need.

The business is officially launched and we’re excited to support Mi Vaquita Bakery as they take their next steps toward opening and growth. Please join us in celebrating our First Place Winner!

Winners of Business Plan Pitch Competition

English BD Training Class

🥉Dee'Z Wieners

🥉Dee'Z Wieners

Our third place winner is Dee’Z Wieners LLC. Dee’Z Wieners LLC is a Florida-based mobile hot dog cart concept founded by Damaris Ramos, bringing classic comfort food with a Latin sazón twist.

It stood out for its clever concept, witty logo, and strong brand personality. We look forward to supporting Damaris as she refines her business model, formalizes the venture, and continues building on her creative and memorable brand.

🥈Elegancia Canina en Ruedas

🥈Elegancia Canina en Ruedas

Our second-place winner is Elegancia Canina en Ruedas, founded by Kaitlin Mendez. Elegancia Canina en Ruedas is a 24/7 mobile dog grooming concept designed to bring convenient, safe, and affordable grooming services directly to pet owners’ homes.

Offering specialized haircuts, baths, nail trimming and grinding, teeth brushing, and more, the business is uniquely focused on serving families with busy schedules through early morning and late-night availability. While the business is not yet in operation, we look forward to supporting Kaitlin as she brings this thoughtful and much-needed service to life.

🥇Chef's Mesa

🥇Chef's Mesa

Our first place winner is Chef’s Mesa. What began as charcuterie boards for friends and family has evolved into a business focused on creating memorable food experiences. Combining Katia’s artistic vision with Berto’s culinary expertise—trained at Le Cordon Bleu—

Chef’s Mesa crafts beautifully curated spreads that bring people together. Serving the Tampa Bay area and now taking orders, we look forward to supporting their continued growth.

Congratulations to our award-winning entrepreneurs!

Your ideas, perseverance, and commitment continue to inspire our ELI community.