Denkyem Coop

05/20/2026

Shout out to our 2025 Croc Tank winner, Lyndsey Williams, founder of Kyla Care Therapy.

This is exactly why we do this.
We believe pitch competitions should go beyond tech. Service providers, creators, makers, chefs, care givers, and more are all building something that matters in our communities, and those stories deserve space too.

Croc Tank is about lifting that up and putting real support behind it.
Come through and be part of building a thriving Black business community.

Show up, support, and help us keep growing what this can be.
Register on our website:
https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/20/2026

Croc Tank judges are more than judges.

We bring in people who understand what it really takes to build something. Folks who’ve been in it, who get entrepreneurship and community, and who are willing to give real, thoughtful feedback. Each judge brings a different perspective, and that’s what makes this space strong.

We’re excited to introduce this year’s judges:

Shaude’ Moore: Chief Executive Officer of The McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development

Brandie Henry: Small Business Specialist at Rainier Valley Community Development Fund and Founder of S4S Management

Mary L. J. Mitchell: CEO & Founding Partner of MLJM Consulting, LLC

James L. Foster, Ph.D.: Senior Data Scientist of People Analytics at the Gates Foundation

Phylicia Lofton: Replenishment Buyer of Accessories & Eyewear at Nordstrom

Luna Woods: Creative Director, Brand Strategist and Somatic Coach at Lunatori

Come experience the room, hear the feedback, and be part of the Croc Tank.
Register on our website:
https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/20/2026

Looking forward to seeing everyone for the Croc Tank.
Come hear founder stories, shop with our vendors, eat great food, and be part of choosing our 2026 Croc Tank winner.

It’s going to be a vibe.

Thursday, May 21
5:00–8:00 PM
TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space

Register on our website:
https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/19/2026

Step into your voice and share your story.

Croc Tank is a space where founders get to show up as they are, talk about what they’re building, and be supported by a community that actually wants to see them win.

Come hype the founders, meet good people, and share a good meal.

It’s a good room to be in.

Register on our website:
https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/18/2026

Have you registered for Croc Tank yet?

We’re a few days out and still building the room. If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is your reminder to lock it in.

Come through, support, and be part of deciding who takes home the $500.

Register on our website:
https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/18/2026

Denkyem's Croc Tank is coming up!

This is more than a pitch event. It’s a space for founders to share what they’re working on, get real feedback, and pitch for a chance at a $500 prize.

10 businesses will pitch. Judges will narrow it down to the top 3, and then the community decides the winner.

So if you’re coming, you’re part of it. Who shows up shapes the outcome.

We’ll have vendors in the space, food from Island Soul, and good energy all around.
Come as you are. Bring your people. Families are welcome.

Register on our website and make sure you’re in the room

Step into the Croc Tank, Denkyem's reimagined pitch competition, where community becomes capital. You're not going to want to miss this opportunity to…

05/16/2026

The Denkyem Croc Tank isn’t just about the pitches, we’ll also have vendors in the space.
We’re bringing together local businesses so you can shop, discover new products, and connect with the people behind them.
It’s a mix of pitches, community, and a chance to support folks doing real work.

Thursday, May 21
5:00–8:00 PM
TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space

Learn more on our website or register here: https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/15/2026

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is a good place to try it out.
Croc Tank is a low-pressure, community-focused pitch competition.

Join for real feedback and a chance to win $500.

Thursday, May 21
5:00–8:00 PM

Learn more on our website or register here: https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/15/2026

Quick breakdown of how Croc Tank works.
We’ll have 10 businesses pitching. Each pitch is 3 minutes, and then 3 finalists move into a short Q&A.

From there, the winner is decided by a community vote. That part matters.

We’re looking at:
Customer acquisition: do they know their market and brand
Cashflow potential: is there a path to growth and sustainability
Community impact: does the work actually matter in a real way

If you’re pitching, this is your reminder to bring your people out. The room helps decide who takes home the $500.

Thursday, May 21
5:00–8:00 PM
TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space
Learn more on our website or register here: https://luma.com/a1satb9u

05/14/2026

Croc Tank is coming up on May 21.
You can pitch or just come through and help decide who wins the $500 prize.
Either way, it’s a good room to be in.
Register here or through our event page.

https://luma.com/a1satb9u
5:00–8:00 PM
TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space

05/13/2026

The Rainier Beach Business District @ RBAC is hosting this exciting public event on May 30th, 2026. The Rainier Beach Walk the Block Party brings together Seattle residents, businesses, artists, and organizations for a day of family fun, culture, connection, great resources and experiential learning opportunities.

Event: Saturday, May 30th 11AM - 5PM Location: Rainier Beach Community Center Plaza

How You Can Participate:

Vendors: Showcase and sell your products, crafts, food items or share resources.
https://pro.gofundme.com/event/rainier-beach-annual-walk-the-block-party/e777022

Entertainers & Artists/ Activity Leads : Perform music, dance, spoken word, or any artistic expression. Host interactive games, art projects, fitness or engaging community activities for kids and adults.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKvaLWqlGFKDdV3tepr_0blEpFnw9VUlUcYOoztWvjscDxFA/viewform

Volunteers: Support set up, transportation, registration, entertainment, media, recreation activities and breakdown. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/yt7oGecVhTG31aSXGiZKsA

This is a fantastic opportunity to support small businesses, engage with the community, promote your work, and contribute to a vibrant Seattle Southend event. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon!

Event: Saturday, May 30th 11AM - 5PM
Location: Rainier Beach Community Center Plaza

The event is free and open to the public! Priority VIP vendor registration through April 31st.