-- League’s First Startup Technology Competition Expanded Platform to Showcase Entrepreneurship in Food --
Today, following a live cook-off event at Golden 1 Center, the Sacramento Kings announced Sugar Coated Cupcakes as the inaugural Capitalize: Food winner, receiving a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their brand featured at Golden 1 Center during the 2023-24 NBA Season and be showcased during the Kings 2023 Media Food Tasting next month.
“We are excited to announce Sugar Coated Cupcakes as the 2023 Capitalize: Food winner for their delicious desserts,” said Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart. “The inaugural competition saw a diverse array of applicants, showcasing innovative food entrepreneurs from the region who are committed to sourcing local ingredients, consistent with our food program. We look forward to bringing this mother-daughter owned brand to Golden 1 Center.”
“We are tremendously honored to be selected as the Sacramento Kings 2023 Capitalize winner,” said Sugar Coated Cupcakes Co-Founder and Owner LaQueanya Henry “My daughter and I are excited to bring our passion for cupcakes and local ingredients to Golden 1 Center.”
The second contest of the expanded Capitalize platform opened on August 1 to provide exceptionally skilled and creative food entrepreneurs from the region a unique opportunity to demonstrate their culinary expertise and bolster their brand equity and exposure. The diverse applicant pool was narrowed following interviews, coaching and mentorship opportunities. On September 6, the contestants presented their pitches and food concepts to a distinguished panel of judges. Then, today, the four finalists took part in a cook-off event bringing their concepts to life in Golden 1 Center’s kitchen for a chance to win placement inside the arena.
The Kings Capitalize platform is the NBA’s first crowdsourced startup competition that offers local entrepreneurs the chance to secure funding and resources, receive mentorship and increase awareness about their business. This year, Capitalize expanded to two new sectors, extending the Kings commitment to providing opportunities for up-and-coming innovators by giving them the platform to showcase new products and services on the NBA’s global stage. Since the inaugural launch of Capitalize in 2016, hundreds of applicants from around the area have submitted their business ideas to be considered in this contest, with many expressing how valuable the contest has been for the growth of their emerging businesses. The Capitalize: Innovation contests will launch next year.
For more information, visit Kings.com/Capitalize.