The Grace College Business Plan Competition is a Shark Tank-like event that challenges business students to think like a CEO, innovate like an entrepreneur, and pitch their venture for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prize money. All Grace College students are invited to participate in the competition, but entrepreneurial management majors are required to participate. Students begin preparing for the competition as soon as the fall and the strongest developed business plans compete for potential
investment in their start-ups. Students receive mentorship and guidance through the college’s Gordon Institute to deliver an investor ready business plan. Alumni and business leaders from throughout the country engage with students on their journey to the day of the competition.
Students in competing in the final competition will be judged by at least five businessmen and women to determine a winner based on value proposition, competitive advantage, profitability, and an intangible factor during the competition.
Beacons United: https://beaconsunited.com/
Strategic Venture Partners: https://www.strategicventurepartners.net/
Lake City Restoration: https://www.lcrestore.com/
Wildman Business Group: https://www.lcrestore.com/
First Source Bank: https://www.1stsource.com/
Recovery+ is a supplement for athletes that combines creatine, electrolytes and essential vitamins in one optimized formula.
1st Place Business Name: Visions of Q Studio
Description: Visions of Q Studio’s mission is to provide high-quality custom apparel printing with no minimums and unlimited colors; all without print degradation.
1st Place Business Name: All ABoard Educators
Description: All ABoard Educators allows teachers to decorate their bulletin boards instantly, saving teachers time and allowing them to focus on their students or spend their free time with family and friends.
Winner Bio: Kiersten Martin, Elementary Education
1st Place Business Name: Kaley’s Cupcakes
Description: Instead of a simple dessert table off in the corner, Kaley’s Cupcake Trailer offers an unforgettable experience to party guests.
Winner Bio: Kaley Dawson (SO), Entrepreneurial Management
1st Place Business Name: Recollection Project
Description: Business provides high detail art work for the travel industry, cities, and businesses.
Winner Bio: Mitchell Bowen (SR), Visual Communication and Design
2nd Place Business Name: A Rae of Beauty
Description: Business idea follows a student licensed in two states for a plan for hairdressing, boutique, and hair braiding currently and after graduation.
Winner Bio: Mackenzie DeLong (SR) Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing, Master of Business Administration
Business Name: Color by Maze
Description: Software generated designs that can be colored with pencils.
Winner Bio: Jessica Vandenboom (SR), Facility & Event Management, Marketing
1st Place Business Name: FOREVERGREEN Farms
Description: Provides potted Christmas trees to be rented or sold for the season. Unsold trees are re-planted and re-used. Plans to expand to a farm retail business.
Winner Bio: Emily Anderson (SR) Entrepreneurial Management
2nd Place Business Name: b. marie
Description: Provides women with upscale gowns at up-cycled prices. A traveling boutique with pop-up fashion shows and rolling inventory.
Winner Bio: Brookelyn Smith (SR), Entrepreneurial Management, MBA
1st Place Business Name: Barnwood Masters
Description: Using reclaimed materials from antique barns and other structures to create quality wood products and to supply usable lumber for home and business décor.
Winner Bio: Micah Bradley (SR), Entrepreneurial Management
2nd Place Business Name: STOPCART
Description: STOPCART’S primary objective is to provide a licensed product that reduces three main issues. These issues include the loss of shopping carts, injuries sustained through the use of shopping carts, and loss of cash flow, occurring at retail stores everyday
Winner Bio: Trevor Bowerbank (SO), Entrepreneurial Management
Business Name: Backbone Custom Pedalboards
Description: Custom boards for those with a precise ear
Winner Bio: Matthew McNeal (SR), General Business and MBA student
Business Name: CoolCorp
Description: Personal Cryotherapy Products
Winner Bio: R. Wesley Gensch (SR), Sport Management, Business Administration
Business Name: MudLOVE
Description: Handcrafted clay jewelry
Winner Bio: Cassandra Jensen (SO), Marketing, General Business Daniel Sponaugle (SR), Math Education
Business Name: Book Vybz
Description: College/University textbook online service
Winner Bio: Dennis Williams (SR), Management of Information Systems, Business Administration, & Web Design & Development
Business Name: Eulalie
Description: Design Company using African textiles
Winner Bio: Joy Itiola, Business Administration & Marketing