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On Monday, while the rest of us are going about our normal routines, one of our WBEC Florida members will be preparing for “the big stage.”
Denise Merritt, president and CEO of Merritt Business Solutions in the Orlando area, will be representing our region in the national WBENCPitch Finals. Denise also happens to be the 2025 WBE Star for WBEC Florida, and you can read more about her here.
She is one of 24 finalists from all over the country chosen by a panel of judges to move forward. The prize: a check for $25,000, one each for a product-based business and a services business. The competition is from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Zoom during the Unity Week conference. (See information below.)
Denise has been practicing her three-minute pitch, but she took time out to answer a couple questions for us so we can share in her journey. We wish you the best, Denise!
What inspired you to step into the pitch competition, and what does advancing mean for you and your business?
I didn't enter this competition to win a prize. I entered to prove a point.
For too long, women-owned and minority-owned businesses have been told that success means finding the right “resources” or “opportunities.” But what we really need are partnerships. That's what Merritt Business Solutions offers every day: We partner with small and minority-owned businesses to give them the HR support they actually need — not just what's easiest to sell.
Advancing to the finals means our message is breaking through. If we win, the $25,000 accelerates our ability to serve more businesses. Honestly, we've already won because proving that partners beat vendors on a national stage is the real victory.
How has being part of the WBEC Florida community shaped your journey in this competition?
WBEC Florida didn't just support my business, they showed me what true partnership looks like. They’ve celebrated my wins, supported my growth, and pushed me to step into bigger opportunities like this national stage.
When I was named the 2025 WBE Star for Florida, I was honored but I also felt the weight of responsibility. It was a reminder that I represent a community of women who are building businesses against incredible odds. As I prepared for this pitch competition, I kept thinking about the other women in our WBEC Florida network.
The pitch I'm delivering on November 17th isn't just about Merritt Business Solutions. It's about every woman in our community. I’ve learned from WBEC Florida that when women partner with each other, we don’t just grow businesses, we change systems. That's what I'm fighting for in this competition. And that's why I'm so grateful to represent Florida.
Have a great week!
Your WBEC Florida team
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