At Elmhurst University’s second annual Bluejay Tank competitors, students demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit by pitching enterprise ideas starting from a startup music manufacturing firm to an app designed to assist faculty students preserve observe of their wallets.
Mallory Burke, an Elmhurst U. junior from Evergreen Park, Ill., received first place for GrillGirlz, a barbecue grill deep-cleaning service that she began final summer season with a $120 mortgage from her dad and mom. With 9 staff — all girls — the enterprise is on observe to earn a web revenue of greater than $18,000 this yr.
Modeled loosely on the favored TV present “Shark Tank,” the Bluejay Tank competitors offers students the prospect to pitch their enterprise concepts to a panel of skilled entrepreneurs in alternate for suggestions and a shot at $3,000 in money prizes.
With her $1,500 prize, Burke plans to trademark her enterprise, present security coaching to staff, construct an internet site and increase to different states.
“Before the competitors I used to be at some extent the place I wasn’t positive the place to take my enterprise,” she mentioned. “Winning gave me the arrogance to push ahead. And as a participant, I’ve made connections with individuals who will help me succeed.”
Matthew Gans, a senior from Batavia, Ill., received second place and $1,000 for MGProductions, a photograph and video advertising firm that has produced advertisements for Aston Martin and different high companies. Third place and $500 went to Luis Chavez, a junior from Rolling Meadows, Ill., for Scanology, a web-based device that helps highschool students discover the proper faculty.
“As a first-generation pupil, I did not have a lot assist with my faculty and scholarship search, Chavez mentioned. “I bear in mind staying up all night time in search of faculties whereas I juggled commencement necessities, homework assignments and different extracurricular actions. By creating Scanology, not solely can we assist students thrive, we will help them by means of their journey.”
As a part of their prize, all three winners may have the chance to satisfy with enterprise capitalist Larry Hayward, associate and co-founder of Independence Equity, to get recommendations on presenting their enterprise plans to buyers.
Elmhurst University is a number one four-year establishment of upper training that seamlessly blends liberal studying {and professional} preparation to assist students attain their full potential. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now provides greater than 70 undergraduate packages of examine, greater than 20 graduate and certificates packages in versatile codecs, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for younger adults with differing skills. Elmhurst University, previously Elmhurst College, is among the many top-ranked faculties and universities within the Midwest, in accordance with U.S. News & World Report.
