Jewish Federation Of Greater Atlanta Launches Virtual Competition

ATLANTA, GA — Participants from a variety of Atlanta organizations and businesses will compete in the first Propel Pitch: A Virtual Competition of Jewish Atlanta Innovation in January 2021, according to a press release. This virtual competition will be hosted by Federation Innovation, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and includes up to $100,000 in award prizes.

Each of the participants are recipients of Propel Innovation grants, a research and development accelerator for nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs that are reimagining Jewish life in Atlanta, according to the release. Innovation contenders from AgeWell Atlanta, Be'chol Lashon, Career Up Now, Jewish Education Collaborative, Jewish Fertility Foundation, Moishe House, OneTable Atlanta, Repair the World, the Blue Dove Foundation, Tikkun Olam Makers, Trybal Gatherings, Your Jewish Bridge and 18Doors will all be competing in the 2021 competition.

"During a year when we've all had to rethink how we live and interact with the community, Propel Pitch gives Jewish Atlanta the opportunity to celebrate the innovators who are blazing trails and reimagining how we engage Jewishly," Federation Innovation CEO Eric Robbins said in the release. "We hope that this friendly competition will not only bring attention to these important ideas that are more important than ever, but also bring increased funding for these changemakers."

A panel of judges from across the Atlanta community will evaluate and award funding of up to $100,000 to the most innovative and impactful ideas in Jewish Atlanta, the release said. The panel of judges includes:

• Renay Blumenthal, vice president of The Marcus Foundation
• Neal Cohen, co-founder of Tip Top Cocktails
• Monica Hooks, executive director at Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative
• Jenny Levison, owner of Souper Jenny
• Lior Weinstein, serial entrepreneur specializing in digital transformation

Community members and grantee supporters can view the online pitch videos from Jan. 7 through Jan. 13, with the live presentations, judging and Q&As on Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. A website link with the pitches is forthcoming.

"Much like our innovators, Federation Innovation is reimagining the typical virtual event experience," said Russell Gottschalk, innovation manager of Federation Innovation, in the release. "We are creating an immersive online event experience for Propel Pitch and are proud to elevate the enterprising spirit and innovative work of these grantees."

To register for the live event on Jan. 14, click here.