Self-taught bakers win The Big Pitch, plan expansion

A pair of Birmingham bakers who deliver their fresh, handmade goods locally won the $30,000 first-place prize in The Big Pitch business-plan competition, hosted recently by REV Birmingham and sponsored by PNC Bank.

And the winners — Caedan Oliver and Sarah Schlund of Beehive Baking Company — plan to spend the money on a larger production space in Woodlawn, a delivery vehicle and more equipment, according to REV Birmingham.

Beehive beat out four other finalists in the annual “Shark Tank”-style competition held in Five Points South on Nov. 17. The contestants described their businesses to judges, investors and 150 attendees.

The $10,000 second prize went to Stephen and Kelli Steward, who plan to open a cat cafe, Gatos and Beans. Tiffany Martin, who is opening Ignite Cycle — a boutique indoor cycling studio — won the $5,000 People’s Choice award.

Self-taught bakers Oliver and Schlund started Beehive in Crestwood in summer 2017, and their wares include bread, scones, cookies and cupcakes.

“We’re inspired by fresh, seasonal and local products and wanted to offer our community baked goods influenced by those things,” Oliver told Iron City Ink.

All Big Pitch finalists were paired with mentors to help them plan their pitches.