A Richmond-based food company has been named a semifinalist in the Black Ambition Prize, an entrepreneurial competition founded by Virginia native and music icon Pharrell Williams.

The company, Joyebells, will compete for prizes ranging from $20,000 to $1 million in the fourth annual contest aimed at supporting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.

“I am so thankful and excited for this great opportunity to learn and scale in this business,” said Joye B. Moore, CEO and founder of Joyebells.

Semifinalists will participate in a three-month mentorship program. The competition includes categories such as technology, health care, consumer products and services, media and entertainment, and artificial intelligence.

Since its inception, Black Ambition has awarded nearly $10 million to over 100 Black and Hispanic founders and provided mentorship to an additional 750 entrepreneurs.

Joyebells, which specializes in Southern-style desserts, launched in October 2019. The company has since received several accolades, including “Best Pie in the Nation” from the American Pie Council in 2023.

Moore, who overcame homelessness in her youth, founded Joyebells after a career shift. She balances growing her business with caregiving responsibilities for her son.

The company’s advancement in the competition highlights both Richmond’s entrepreneurial landscape and the Black Ambition Prize’s goal of fostering change in underrepresented communities.