On Nov. 20, 7 finalists pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges during the 14th annual Business Idea Competition. The competition began with Madison Rakauckas and her idea for Harmony House, the community space for musicians to create art. Then, Kelan Boyer and Luke Litchkofski pitched their business idea, K&L Guitars, a conveyor-belt style customizable electric guitar business. Harrison Levin explained his idea for LightsOn, a light bulb that lets you know when it has 5% battery left. Rachel Bailey discussed her idea for The Old Barn Stage, a nonprofit music venue inside a rustic barn. To conclude the competition, Noah Paules and Keira Shirk pitched their idea for ComMusity, an app that lists music venues near users and allows band members to connect and network with each other. After each five-minute pitch, the judges –Rachael Wolfe and John Denver of the KU SBDC and Eileen Kowalski of PNC Bank– were given time to ask the finalists questions about their business ideas. Following that, judges scored the presentations, and the results were added to determine the winners. The first-place winner was Harrison Levin, an Entrepreneurship major. His idea for LightsOn earned him $1,500, which he says he’ll invest back in the company. “I’m going to look into patenting this technology. I had a great time and am grateful for this opportunity.” Madison Rakauckas earned second place and Rachel Bailey secured third place. The winners all received a trophy for their ideas. BUSINESS IDEA COMPETITION 36 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
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