Kutztown University’s College of Business recently celebrated the creativity and entrepreneurial energy of its students at the 2025 Business Idea Competition, an annual showcase of innovation in action. On Wednesday, November 19th, six student finalists took the stage in the de Francesco Building, sharing their original business concepts with a panel of judges. Competing for cash prizes, participants brought forward an idea that reflected both ingenuity and real-world potential. Importantly, all students retained full ownership of their concepts, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to empowering student entrepreneurs. Taking home first place was Matt Ventura, a junior computer science major. His idea, a sport‑specific mobile app designed to connect baseball players who struggle to find consistent throwing partners outside of organized play. It uses geo-location to match players by skill level and availability, with features such as verified locations and in‑app chat. Earning second place, Ethan Gallardo, a junior data science major, for his cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants. It provides real‑time dashboards and integrates AI‑powered analytics to help managers optimize menus, forecast demand and improve staffing decisions. Third place was awarded to Zoe Tuttle, a senior majoring in Social Media Theory. Her project emphasizes accessible digital marketing support for small businesses, entrepreneurs and creators. The service model offers personalized social media strategy packets, ad management and educational tools to help clients strengthen and sustain their digital presence. Together, these student innovators exemplify the forward-thinking spirit that defines Kutztown University’s College of Business, where ideas don’t just begin, they grow. 16
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