6 | INNOVISION MAGAZ INE On Thursday, November 4th Kutztown University’s College of Business hosted its 11th annual Business Idea Competition. This event allows students from all majors the opportunity to submit business proposals for the chance to win cash prizes to help initiate their business ideas. By competition time, six out of the thirteen contestants advanced to the finals. Dean Carroll kicked off the event by introducing the event’s sponsor, Jack Gottlieb ('00) from Total Solutions Group, and his proxy, Anna Blanchette ('20). Ms. Blanchette, a previous graduate of Kutztown University, spoke about her own experience as an entrepreneur to inspire the contestants. The three judges in attendance were John Stetler and John Dever, both from the Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University, and Josh Kovitch, a Program Manager for Southeast PA PTAC. The judges graded each five-minute presentation against three criteria, which were quality of pitch, a compelling and realistic idea, and the overall style of pitch. After each presentation, the judges were allowed to ask one question each to further understand the business idea. All the contestants presented uniquely different ideas. Isaac Reiter was the first to pitch his idea, Up the Sleeve Magic Theater, a company that will help novice magicians get their start, as well as support expert magicians advance their careers through lessons, stage practice, lectures, magic props, and advertisement services. He even did a few magic tricks for the crowd! Next up to present was Matthew Sodano with his idea, Rubber Duckki Filtration Systems. His company would create a pool filter in the shape of a rubber duck that will “swim” around your pool collecting bugs and debris with suction technology. After Matthew, Hunter Davis gave his presentation on Natural Product Analysis, or NPA. This company would provide testing for the potency and purity of hemp products. Abigail Ahrens then pitched her homemade jewelry company, Moon Gaze Jewelry. Her company would use recycled metals, resin, and other materials to make specialized jewelry for the buyer. Philip Jani presented his Real Estate Marketing concept for the judges. His business is a software program that collects information, which then is used to blast targeted contacts. The software analyzes data to see how likely it is that someone will sell their property. Lastly, the only duo in the competition, Maggie Strawoet and Chloe Krempasky presented their idea, KUberr. Their company is a rideshare app specifically targeted for the Kutztown area, so students can get to class easier and to local stores. After deliberating, the judges decided that the thirdplace prize of $750 would go to Matthew Sodano and his business idea, Rubber Duckki Filtration Systems. The second-place prize of $1,000 was awarded to Maggie Strawoet and Chloe Krempasky for their company idea, KUberr. The first-place prize of $1,500 went to Isaac Reiter with his business idea, Up the Sleeve Magic Theater. All the contestants had great pitches, and the judges were eager to work with the students on their businesses after the event was over.
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