24 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE BUSINESS IDEA COMPETITION The 13th annual Business Idea Competition was held on Nov. 15, where the finalists had five minutes to pitch their business ideas to the three panel judges. Students were scored based on their pitch quality, the completeness of the business idea, and the style of their pitch. After each presentation, the judges were allowed to ask questions about the business ideas. With 28 business ideas submitted, these five were the best. The competition began with Payton Linn and her idea for Mélomane, a music venue focused on affordable tickets and audience experience. Then Narissa Jackson and Gino Campagna pitched their idea for Grizzly Gym, an all-purpose gym and training facility led by the two. Following them, Emma Cook presented her idea for The Voice Connection, a therapy and singing service. Dylan Lobycz pitched his idea for FL Markers, a reusable marker that lasts up to five years. And Owen Elbahtimy concluded the competition with his idea of PA and NJ Artists’ Studios, a rentable production space for young artists to record music. After hearing each pitch, the scores were added up and the judges deliberated to select the winners. The judges were Eileen Kowalski, Senior Vice President of PNC Bank, and Robert Kieke and Rachael Wolfe, both members of the KU Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The first-place winner was Dylan Lobycz, an Exploratory Studies major, earning $2,500. With the help of his chemistry professor, Dylan came up with the idea of reusable whiteboard markers that will last up to five years. He says his idea is made for teachers and professors, who often go through numerous markers throughout the academic year. “It felt good to hear my name in first place. It is rewarding to know that the past few weeks of hard work has paid off.” Payton Linn, a Music major, came in second place, earning $1,500 for her idea. She says her inspiration for her business came from NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, and to “make a music venue with the same idea and vibe.” The third-place winners were Gino Campagna, a Business Management major, and Narissa Jackson, a Communication Studies major, earning $1,000 to share between them. Both expressed how this competition and the work they put into their idea will help them further their goal of opening their own gym. All the winners were thankful to their entrepreneurship professor, Dr. Norman Sigmond, for his help with their business ideas. “This event is like a window into students’ minds,” said Dean Carroll. “I look forward to this event every year and seeing the amazing ideas our students have.”
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