Miami Beach is putting $30,000 behind two events aimed at Black professionals and entrepreneurs this fall, after the City Commission approved the sponsorship Wednesday.

The money goes to Black Professionals Network Inc., a national organization with a local Miami-Dade chapter, to fund two programs: the "Pitch the Beach" live startup competition Aug. 27 in Miami Beach, and the 12th annual Black Professionals Network Summit from Oct. 2 through Oct. 4 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

The resolution, listed as consent-agenda item C7L under Economic Development, authorizes the city manager and city clerk to execute a sponsorship agreement reviewed by the city attorney. The resolution does not detail what the city receives in return beyond the partnership branding; Steven Anthony, Miami Beach's economic development director, is listed as a speaker at the summit's "Powering Prosperity" session, according to the BPN Summit website.

Pitch the Beach

The competition pairs Black founders with a panel of judges for a live pitch session and networking mixer. Entrepreneurs present scalable business ideas, and winners receive a cash prize and business support, according to BPN's event description.

The 2025 edition drew founders, investors and civic leaders to Casa Matilda, a Black-owned venue at 411 Washington Ave. A startup called Unlock.Luxe took the top prize for creativity and market potential, with Spice King and Salt and Sundown as finalists, according to the city's event recap. Judges included Glendon Hall, chair of the city's Black Affairs Advisory Committee; Brittnee Bassant, CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce; and Anthony.

The 2026 venue and RSVP details have not yet been posted by BPN. The date is confirmed in the commission resolution.

The summit

The BPN Summit, branded "LegacyCon: House of Heroes" for 2026, runs three days in Hollywood. It is not held in Miami Beach. General admission is $250; VIP tickets are $550.

Upcoming community dates

• Aug. 27 — Pitch the Beach 2026, Miami Beach (venue TBA; check mybpn.org for RSVP)
• Oct. 2 through Oct. 4 — 12th annual Black Professionals Network Summit, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood (tickets at bpsummit.org; $250 general, $550 VIP)