The CBE held another successful Fast Pitch Competition on April 23rd, 2014 in La Kretz Hall. Sixteen students from a variety of majors across campus competed for awards and cash prizes. The event offers students an opportunity to pitch their business idea or appeal for funding of a project via a two minute pitch to a panel of local investors and business owners. The competition is unique in the brevity of the pitch and the limited supporting materials allowed, forcing the presenter to concentrate on the message.
This year’s winners all pitched companies that integrated a socially responsible component to their business plan. First place went to Mai-Ly Spiller of Design Spillz. Her company provides design services from a variety of artists and raises money for humanitarian and other aid. Nick Ventura placed second for his company inFORaCAUSE. The company is a socially conscious marketplace carrying only goods that support and give back to a cause or community in need. Jose Soto earned third place for his company Engagr. The company develops fun, simple toys designed to engage girls in STEM-related fields.Our goal is to improve the representation of women in STEM related industries. We plan to do this by engaging young women with simple, playful robotics and programming geared towards girls.
All participants attended seminars on how to craft a business plan and hone a business pitch. Alumnus America Tang, President, Ace Fencing Co, Management Professor Dr. Steve McGuire and Martin Lopez, President/CEO of Herbs of Mexico evaluated the participant pitches and selected winners. The first place winner earned $1,000. The second and third place winners each earned $500.