Providing a Platform for Minority Owned Businesses

May 3, 2022

Merchants Bonding Company congratulates all the winners in the pitch competition at the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. We are proud to be a sponsor of the Summit again this year, which not only provides important training and mentorship opportunities to business owners of color, but the opportunity to receive actual funding.

Ten different minority owned businesses, narrowed down from forty-five entrants, earned the opportunity to present in the Summit's pitch competition, and to vie for their share of a $42,000 prize purse. They came, they pitched, and they conquered! All ten businesses received a share of the money, with renewable energy company Lumena Energy capturing the top spot.  

“Lumena Energy extends its heartfelt appreciation to the people of West Des Moines, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, Athene, Bank of America, our co-competitors, and all of the supporting community partners for facilitating the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition,” said David Jones, CEO, Lumena Energy. "We will use this platform and the winnings to further the advancement and accelerated adoption of renewable energy throughout the world.”

Merchants' support of events like the Black & Brown Summit is part of our ongoing commitment to building a diverse and inclusive environment that drives innovation, engagement, connection and, ultimately, results that benefit every Merchants associate and our communities.