60 Day Hustle Offers $100K Prize to Competing Entrepreneurs

judge and business development consultant Terry Rice understands firsthand the complex challenges of starting and financing a business. After working for major tech corporations including Adobe and Meta, Rice entered the consulting industry in 2015. The New York native received his first “yes” from an area T-shirt company, but knew he had to grow quickly. In just two years, Rice had developed a foolproof method for attracting clients, appearing on the show, and speaking at events like AdWeek and SXSW.

In the world of entrepreneurship, time is commonly the Most worthy currency. For 12 ambitious entrepreneurs, 60 days is all they’ve to prove their entrepreneurial acumen and earn a life-changing $100,000 prize. The stakes couldn’t be higher in , a brand new Amazon Prime series launching August 8 through which emerging business talent competes in a high-intensity accelerator program.

New businesses are being created daily across America, but starting a business doesn’t guarantee success. About 35% of companies are still in business after 10 years, with almost 18.4% failing in the primary 12 months and almost 50% closing by the fifth 12 months. In addition, according to the SCORE study of about 1,000 small start-up businesses nationwide, 78% of respondents relied on personal funds and income from one other job that may allow them to develop and run their startup.

BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP I spoke with Rice concerning the vision behind 60 Day Hustle, the importance of sustainability and mentoring.

The Vision Behind 60 Day Hustle

Rice describes this system’s genesis as rooted in a passion for supporting the following generation of business leaders. “Rudy Mawer, the program’s creator, saw an opportunity to provide the kind of support he wanted when he was starting out,” Rice explains. Mawer, who got here from a family with a robust athletic background reasonably than a business background, realized there was a critical need for guidance and resources that young entrepreneurs often need more of.

“60 Day Hustle aims to fill that gap,” Rice says, “by offering both financial support and mentoring from seasoned experts.”

Created and executive produced by Chris Hayman and Michelle Delamor, with Adam Horner of Sonic Gods Studios producing, the show guarantees to be greater than just entertainment. It’s a platform where dreams are either fulfilled or transformed. “This show isn’t just about competition,” Rice adds. “It’s about giving viewers a practical lesson in entrepreneurship.”

A glance behind the scenes

Walking into the $30 million studio where the film was shot, Rice was impressed by the dimensions and class of the production. “From the green screens to the intensity of the LED lighting, everything was designed to create an immersive experience,” he recalls. But what stood out most was the energy on set. “There was a palpable sense of hope and excitement,” Rice notes. “These entrepreneurs weren’t just there to compete; they were there to change lives.”

The selection process for the show was intense. “We conducted a nationwide audition, reviewed countless business plans and interviewed a lot of candidates to make sure we had the best of the best,” Rice explains. The final 12, Avijah Scarbrough of Viju Beauty and Marcus Thomas of Marcus Alexander Footwear, were chosen for his or her business ideas and growth potential. “Diversity was key,” Rice says. “Each participant brought their own unique perspective and experiences to the table.”

Entrepreneurial challenges for the long run

Entrepreneurs face rigorous challenges throughout the two-month program to simulate real-world business obstacles. “The goal is to condense two years of business development into just 60 days,” Rice explains. Under the guidance of mentors like Fabletics co-founder Ginger Ressler and Fab Fit Fun co-founder Daniel Broukhim, participants might be challenged to think, adapt and act quickly. “It’s not just about who has the best idea,” Rice says. “It’s about who can implement, scale and sustain their business under pressure.”

The show’s format also allows viewers to learn together with the participants. “Every episode is packed with actionable insights,” Rice says. “If you’re an entrepreneur watching from home, take notes. The lessons here are invaluable.”

Mentorship that matters

One of essentially the most unique points is the mentoring that participants receive. “The mentors aren’t there just to criticize; they’re there to train,” Rice emphasizes. “We have people like Peter Pham, co-founder of Science, who’s built billion-dollar brands. Their advice is worth its weight in gold.”

For Rice, being a judge on the show meant greater than just judging performances. “I couldn’t help but pass on some advice,” he admits. “You see their potential and you want them to succeed, not only on the show but in their future endeavors.”

What is a judge on the lookout for?

As a judge, Rice emphasizes that several key aspects are key in determining who should win a contest like . “It’s not just about having a great idea,” she says. “We’re looking for agile, resourceful entrepreneurs who can pivot when faced with challenges.”

Execution is one other critical factor. “A great idea is only as good as its execution,” Rice explains. “We pay a lot of attention to how well participants can implement their ideas, deliver on their promises, and meet business requirements.”

Sustainability also plays a major role. “We want to see companies that don’t just shine in the pan,” Rice says. “They need a long-term growth plan and a vision that goes beyond the initial excitement.”

Finally, passion and leadership are essential traits. “An entrepreneur’s passion can be the difference between success and failure,” Rice notes. “Their ability to inspire others and lead their team through tough times is what separates the good from the great.”