On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans, the Runway to Success Final Supplier Pitch Competition lifted off before a standing-room-only audience—spotlighting innovative, scalable products from minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to enter the airport concessions and retail marketplace.
🛫 A Launchpad for Opportunity
Modeled after the popular “Shark Tank” format, the pitch competition unfolded in two high-energy rounds:
- Ready for Takeoff 8 – Eight finalists emerged from regional competitions.
- Final Approach 4 – The top four pitched live on the national stage.
Each entrepreneur made their case before a panel of VIP judges—including airport executives and prime concessionaires—competing for access to real business opportunities in airport retail.
🌟 Regional Highlights: The Elite 8
In May, AMAC hosted two regional qualifiers in partnership with local airports and civic partners:
St. Louis Regional (May 16):
- BitToy’s Sweet Treats – Handcrafted candy and nostalgic desserts with mass appeal
- Good Boy Goodies – All-natural pet snacks and accessories for travelers with pets
- Posie Pots – Sustainable, self-watering plant containers for low-maintenance travel lifestyles
- TeaVoila – Compostable, ready-to-drink tea cups for eco-conscious travelers
Baton Rouge Regional (May 19):
- Crafted Nibbles – Curated charcuterie boxes for on-the-go indulgence
- Quisqueya Spirits – “Vacaciones” Vodka Seltzers (8% ABV) inspired by Caribbean flavors
- Rejuvenation – Sparkling okra and plant-based energy drinks
- You Fork’n Right – Authentic, travel-ready Cajun jambalaya
🎤 The National Finale: A Pitch to Remember
During the Final Approach 4 round in New Orleans, the Elite 8 delivered live pitches to an influential crowd of AMAC members, airport leaders, concession primes, and supplier diversity advocates. Judges assessed each business on:
- Scalability & Operational Readiness
- Customer Appeal & Innovation
- Sustainability & Supply Chain Strategy
The competition concluded with thunderous applause and eager anticipation for what’s ahead.
✈️ Why This Competition Matters
- Gateway to Market: Gives certified M/W/S/DBEs a tangible pathway into airport retail
- Growth Acceleration: Focuses on real-world logistics and business model viability
- Equity in Action: Showcases innovation while advancing economic inclusion
🔮 What’s Next?
- Several finalists are now in active conversations with prime concessionaires
- AMAC plans to expand Runway to Success to more regions in 2026
- Sponsors benefit from heightened visibility and direct engagement with next-generation talent
💬 Final Thoughts
More than just a pitch competition, Runway to Success is becoming a movement—an intentional platform where innovation meets opportunity. By elevating minority and women entrepreneurs at industry touchpoints, AMAC is rewriting the playbook on inclusive airport growth.
🎥 Watch the video above to experience the energy in the room—and follow these brands as they taxi toward their next big runway.
Interested in participating next year? Visit amac-org.com/rts to learn how to apply as a supplier, sponsor, or join AMAC’s dynamic supplier diversity network.