3 West Michigan startups competing for Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition prize

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Three entrepreneurs of color who previously won a contest hosted by Grand Rapids-based Start Garden are now among 250 semi-finalists for a business startup contest founded by Grammy-winning record producer and artist Pharrell Williams.

The three semifinalists — Michael Hyacinthe, Andrea Wallace and Darren Riley — will have an opportunity to participate in a mentorship cohort, with grand prize winners announced in November.