THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!

Industry

See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Auto See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Beauty See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Business to Business See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Consumer Brand See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Education See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Entertainment See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Financial Services See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Fitness, Health, & Wellness
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Strategy & Engagement

See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Brand Partnership See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Call to Action See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Community Management See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Creative Use of Technology See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> CTV/OTT See previous winners and honorees for Insights and Trends here.</a> <a href=https://shortyawards.com/17th/"https://shortyawards.com/category/16th/data-visualization">See previous winners and honorees for Data Visualization here.</a>"> Data & Insights See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Earned Media See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Event & Experiential See previous winners and honorees here.</a>""> Gamification See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Humor See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Innovative Media Buying Strategy See previous winners and honorees here.</a>""> Integration with Traditional Media See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Internal Communications See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> LGBTQ Community Engagement See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Micro-Influencer Strategy See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Multicultural Community Engagement See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Music & Dance See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> On a Shoestring See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Organic Promotion See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Paid & Amplification See previous winner and honorees here.</a>"> Physical and Digital Convergence See previous winner and honorees here.</a>"> Public Service Announcement See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Real Time Response See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> SEO & SEM See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Social Commerce See previous winners and honorees here.</a>"> Storytelling

REVOLT x Target Bet on Black (Season 4)

Entered in Branded Series

Objective

Bet on Black is REVOLT’s groundbreaking competition series that aims to transform the narrative surrounding Black entrepreneurship. In its fourth season, the series, a collaboration between REVOLT and Target, takes an industry-driven approach, featuring six innovative beauty brands competing for a grand prize of  $200,000 in undiluted equity.

The driving idea was to elevate Black entrepreneurship by providing a platform that elevates the voices of Black business owners while offering tangible resources to help them scale. With new host Pretty Vee, the show infused fresh energy, bringing a unique perspective to the entrepreneurial journey. A multi-dimensional experience was created through a blend of business pitches, mentorship from industry experts, and commentary from top leaders. 

Ultimately, Bet on Black is designed to inspire and uplift Black entrepreneurs, break barriers, and reshape how Black businesses are seen, celebrated, and supported in mainstream culture.

 

Strategy

REVOLT brought Bet on Black to life by creating a platform that not only celebrates Black entrepreneurship but also provides tangible resources to help elevate and scale these businesses. The collaboration with Target set the stage for an industry-focused competition that would spotlight six innovative beauty brands. The execution was centered around providing the entrepreneurs with a space to pitch their businesses, receive mentorship from industry experts, and showcase their journeys to the world.

REVOLT also refreshed the format by introducing cultural icon Pretty Vee as the new host, infusing her relatability to connect with viewers.  Her dynamic presence offered a fresh perspective that created a deeper connection with viewers and added an engaging, new layer to the experience. Each episode focused on the entrepreneur's innovative products, business plans, and the cultural impact of their work. The series also integrated mentorship from top industry leaders, allowing for a direct connection between emerging talent and established professionals. This dynamic approach was designed to empower the entrepreneurs by giving them not just a platform, but also access to vital tools and advice that could help them thrive in the competitive beauty industry. Additionally, the presence of Google marketing executive, Adrienne Lofton, as a mentor on the show symbolized Black excellence—applauded for reaching back to inspire and guide up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

A challenge faced during the production of Bet on Black was ensuring the balance between entertainment and providing entrepreneurs with genuine growth opportunities. REVOLT overcame this challenge by focusing on both the emotional narrative of the entrepreneurs’ journeys and the practical, industry-driven opportunities that the show offered. This allowed the series to maintain its authenticity and purpose while keeping viewers engaged and invested in the contestants' progress.

Through cross-platform promotion and strategic partnerships, Bet on Black gained widespread visibility, reinforcing its impact beyond the competition. The show provided invaluable exposure and resources to Black entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation of business leaders while fostering meaningful conversations around equity and opportunity.

 

Results

REVOLT’s Bet on Black successfully met the team’s objectives by amplifying the stories of Black entrepreneurs while providing tangible support to help them scale their businesses. The series not only spotlighted six innovative beauty brands but also The series not only showcased six innovative beauty brands but also provided entrepreneurs with mentorship, exposure, and the chance to compete for a grand prize of $200,000 in undiluted equity—part of the $385,000 in total prizing from Target—ensuring every contestant received meaningful support to scale their business. The partnership with Target further strengthened the initiative, offering invaluable resources to help the brands grow.

The show's ability to engage viewers, foster meaningful discussions, and elevate Black business owners’ narratives reflects its success. Through dynamic storytelling, mentorship, and the integration of key industry partners, Bet on Black achieved its goal of creating a platform that both celebrates and accelerates Black entrepreneurship. By showcasing real journeys, the series sparked conversations around the importance of investment in Black-owned businesses, contributing to a shift in the broader cultural narrative.

In terms of viewership and engagement, the show has seen significant growth, demonstrating its impact in shaping perceptions and building excitement for future seasons. The success is evident not just in the ratings, but in the lasting impact it has on both the entrepreneurs and the audience.

 

Media

Video for REVOLT x Target Bet on Black (Season 4)

Entrant Company / Organization Name

Six Zeros, Target

Link

Entry Credits