Fort Lauderdale hosted the final "Building Business with Impact" pitch competition and graduation for Startup FTL’s Grow cohort on Friday, with Mayor Dean Trantalis and city officials praising the program’s role in promoting local entrepreneurship. The city announced three $1,000 prizes and recognized 19 microgrant recipients tied to the program.

Mayor Dean Trantalis said the National League of Cities’ economic mobility rapid grant enabled the city to expand Startup FTL from its inaugural cohort to three cohorts this year, providing prize funds and microgrants to support entrepreneurs. Deputy City Manager Chris Cooper and Community Services Director Portia Garcia credited the city’s newly elevated economic development division for helping launch and scale the program.

Eight entrepreneurs pitched business ideas spanning telemedicine, marketing, wellness retreats, a social research platform, and mission‑driven rental housing. Judges — introduced as representatives from the Urban League, local marketing firms, TD Bank, REA Strategic Partners and Whitney Commercial Insurance Advisors — questioned presenters on business models, scalability, data protection and financial projections.

The judging panel named 92 RISE the top winner, with Laminomics and eMazing Marketing rounding out the top three. Organizers presented certificates of completion to all Grow cohort graduates during a graduation address by Portia Garcia, who framed the program as an investment in job creators and community builders.

Event organizers said the program will continue to provide mentorship and resources to participants. The city will also sustain the economic development division’s initiatives in partnership with community stakeholders.