BLACK ANCHOR DESIGN BLOG

A New Dawn for Budget University: Shelby Patrice's Inspiring Journey

Shelby Patrice couldn't shake the excitement as the sun peeked through her blinds that morning. The night before, she'd tossed and turned, her mind racing with her pitch for the Mavs Business Assist finals. The $25,000 prize could be a game-changer for her struggling small business, Budget University.

But more than the money, Shelby saw an opportunity to create a legacy. She wanted to be a beacon of hope for other Black families, helping them build generational wealth and financial freedom. As she drifted off to sleep, she imagined what her life would be like if she won.

The next morning, that dream felt closer than ever. "Something just felt different," Shelby explained. "I had this sense of calm and peace. In my spirit, I just knew it would be a good day."

And it was. That evening, Shelby stood on stage, holding a giant check. She'd won the Mavs Business Assist finals pitch contest, a culmination of months of hard work and dedication.

"I want to thank the Dallas Mavericks for believing in me," Shelby said. "This program drastically changed my life. I learned so much about marketing, legal documents, and business registration. Today is the anniversary of my grandmother's death, and everything has just come full circle."

The prize money would help Shelby expand Budget University, an online school that teaches financial literacy to middle and high school students. She believes it's essential for young people to learn these principles early to set themselves up for success.

Shelby was one of eight diverse small business owners who competed in the Mavs' pitch competition. Lan Pham with DPC Health was the runner-up and won a $15,000 prize.

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was on hand to offer words of encouragement to the participants. "Trust is everything," he shared. "People are willing to pay $3 extra when they trust you."



Shelby's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of chasing your dreams. From overcoming personal challenges to building a successful business, she's shown that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.