Philadelphia Entrepreneur Wins GPHCC Éxito Pitch Competition, Receives $5,000 to Grow Oblea Fusion
The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) announced Oblea Fusion as the winner of its 2026 Éxito Pitch Competition. Founder Julián Ramos received a $5,000 prize to expand his Philadelphia-based dessert business after presenting his growth strategy during the Éxito Conference for Entrepreneurs.
Philadelphia, PA, August 27, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Colombian-born entrepreneur Julián Ramos, founder of Philadelphia-based Oblea Fusion, has won the 2nd Annual Éxito Pitch Competition, earning a $5,000 grand prize to expand his growing dessert experience business. The competition, hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) during its Éxito Conference for Entrepreneurs, recognizes emerging Hispanic-owned businesses demonstrating innovation, scalability, and strong community impact.
Selected from four finalists, Ramos impressed a panel of judges with his vision for growing Oblea Fusion, a business centered on the traditional Colombian oblea—a crispy, customizable dessert reimagined as an interactive culinary experience. Today, Oblea Fusion serves festivals, private events, corporate gatherings, community celebrations, and pop-up events throughout the Philadelphia region.
"The Éxito Pitch Competition reflects the very best of what GPHCC exists to do: develop, promote, and inspire Hispanic entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating opportunity, and driving economic growth in our region," said Jennifer Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Oblea Fusion's story is a powerful example of how culturally rooted businesses can innovate, scale, and connect with broader markets while staying true to their identity. We are proud to celebrate Julián Ramos and all this year's finalists for their vision, discipline, and commitment to growth."
"Four years ago, I arrived in the United States as an immigrant with big dreams, but without knowing exactly where the journey would lead," said Julián Ramos, Founder & CEO of Oblea Fusion. "What started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger—a business that creates opportunities, represents our culture, and positively impacts our community."
The Éxito Pitch Competition showcases entrepreneurs who have completed GPHCC business development programs and are positioned for growth, reinforcing the Chamber's commitment to advancing Hispanic entrepreneurship throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Eligible applicants were required to complete a GPHCC business development program, maintain annual revenues of $500,000 or less, be members in good standing of GPHCC or a local chamber partner, operate as legally formed businesses, and be headquartered in the Philadelphia region.
This year's finalists included Nick Malhome of Diagnostics Your Way, Deyssi Cusba of Delco Balloons, Esther Castillo of Accesso Care, and Julián Ramos of Oblea Fusion.
Ramos plans to invest the $5,000 prize in expanding Oblea Fusion's operations, including new equipment for its mobile trailer, freezer installation, influencer partnerships, digital advertising, and marketing initiatives designed to reach new customers throughout the region.
The Éxito Conference for Entrepreneurs was presented with support from Verizon, the lead sponsor, and TD Bank, the silver sponsor. The conference welcomed a record 150 attendees and featured practical workshops on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and business growth.
"We are deeply grateful to Verizon and TD Bank for supporting the Éxito Conference for Entrepreneurs and helping create a platform where small business owners can gain visibility, strengthen their networks, and access resources that support long-term growth," Rodriguez added.
High-resolution photos of the competition, the winner, and Oblea Fusion's signature desserts are available upon request.
Selected from four finalists, Ramos impressed a panel of judges with his vision for growing Oblea Fusion, a business centered on the traditional Colombian oblea—a crispy, customizable dessert reimagined as an interactive culinary experience. Today, Oblea Fusion serves festivals, private events, corporate gatherings, community celebrations, and pop-up events throughout the Philadelphia region.
"The Éxito Pitch Competition reflects the very best of what GPHCC exists to do: develop, promote, and inspire Hispanic entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating opportunity, and driving economic growth in our region," said Jennifer Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Oblea Fusion's story is a powerful example of how culturally rooted businesses can innovate, scale, and connect with broader markets while staying true to their identity. We are proud to celebrate Julián Ramos and all this year's finalists for their vision, discipline, and commitment to growth."
"Four years ago, I arrived in the United States as an immigrant with big dreams, but without knowing exactly where the journey would lead," said Julián Ramos, Founder & CEO of Oblea Fusion. "What started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger—a business that creates opportunities, represents our culture, and positively impacts our community."
The Éxito Pitch Competition showcases entrepreneurs who have completed GPHCC business development programs and are positioned for growth, reinforcing the Chamber's commitment to advancing Hispanic entrepreneurship throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Eligible applicants were required to complete a GPHCC business development program, maintain annual revenues of $500,000 or less, be members in good standing of GPHCC or a local chamber partner, operate as legally formed businesses, and be headquartered in the Philadelphia region.
This year's finalists included Nick Malhome of Diagnostics Your Way, Deyssi Cusba of Delco Balloons, Esther Castillo of Accesso Care, and Julián Ramos of Oblea Fusion.
Ramos plans to invest the $5,000 prize in expanding Oblea Fusion's operations, including new equipment for its mobile trailer, freezer installation, influencer partnerships, digital advertising, and marketing initiatives designed to reach new customers throughout the region.
The Éxito Conference for Entrepreneurs was presented with support from Verizon, the lead sponsor, and TD Bank, the silver sponsor. The conference welcomed a record 150 attendees and featured practical workshops on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and business growth.
"We are deeply grateful to Verizon and TD Bank for supporting the Éxito Conference for Entrepreneurs and helping create a platform where small business owners can gain visibility, strengthen their networks, and access resources that support long-term growth," Rodriguez added.
High-resolution photos of the competition, the winner, and Oblea Fusion's signature desserts are available upon request.
Contact
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Mayra Soto
215-845-5456 x304
www.philahispanicchamber.org
Mayra Soto
215-845-5456 x304
www.philahispanicchamber.org
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