Kent, OHIO – Six Â鶹¾«Ñ¡entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to a panel of executive judges for a share of $21,000 in cash prizes at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Spring Pitch competition held in Crawford Hall on April 17.
The competition, hosted by the college’s John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship, allows students to receive mentorship and funding to assist with their growing startups. The following students won awards at the competition:
Zoe Noel, a junior marketing major, with Zonuts and Lattes won first place and $10,000. Zonuts and Lattes is a mobile food trailer that specializes in fresh donuts and specialty coffees. Zonuts and Lattes features a rotating menu that changes weekly in addition to a regular menu. Donuts are fresh and never more than a few hours old. Catering is also available.
Aaron Rombach, a Master of Science in Architecture graduate student, with Romby Innovations, won second place and $5,000. Romby Innovations leverages additive manufacturing with 3D printing to design and develop innovative products across various industries. Focused on problem-solving through design and technology, Romby Innovations creates practical solutions to keep small, easily lost items like pencils, markers and PPE secure and accessible at all times for those in the construction industry.
Angelique Wong, an M.S. in Emerging Media and Technology graduate student, with Angie’s Sweets and Treats, won third place and $3,000. Angie’s is a catering and dessert company that specializes in charcuterie displays that double as one-of-a-kind, interactive centerpieces for any occasion. She also offers curated favor boxes, boards and engaging classes where guests can learn the art of charcuterie.
Nat Foote, an accounting and pre-law major, with Saint Pierre, won the Promising Idea Award and $1,000 as well as $1,000 in prize money as a finalist. Saint Pierre is an apparel company focused on the wholesale distribution of contemporary menswear and blank garments to businesses. Target consumers are 18–35-year-old men and boutiques, as well as businesses that prioritize merchandise with contemporary silhouettes and timeless aesthetics.
Cole Stanley, an entrepreneurship major who pitched Big Fella Flavors, and Kay Strahler, an entrepreneurship major who pitched WanderLust Remedies, each received $1,000 prizes.
Judges for the event included:
- Joelle Brock, Co-founder, President and CEO, Leading EDJE
- Julie Jennings, Managing Director, Capellas Partners
- Michael Solomon, entrepreneur, investor, advisor
- Dave Thoman, President and CEO, Leading Edge
Following the event, numerous Â鶹¾«Ñ¡entrepreneurs, in addition to those who participated in the pitch, had an opportunity to promote their businesses and products to those in attendance with a student entrepreneur showcase.
About Â鶹¾«Ñ¡â€™s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Â鶹¾«Ñ¡â€™s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship is among 2% of business schools worldwide to obtain dual accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in both business and accounting. The college offers 10 undergraduate majors, 14 minors, and an undergraduate Professional Sales Certificate; MBA; master’s degrees in accounting, business analytics and economics; graduate certificates, dual degree programs and a Ph.D. program. For more information about Kent State’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, visit www.kent.edu/crawford.