|
 The Heartland STEM & Business department conducted
the Elevating Entrepreneurs competition as the Spring semester came
to a close. Originally designed to take place in-person, the
contest’s organizers, contestants, and judges interacted in a
virtual setting as finalists pitched their business ideas.
After submitting a business plan, feasibility study, financial plan,
and video elevator pitch, Heartland students Daniel Gibson, Cameron
Hinman, Harlan Kupferschmid, and Kaitlynn Scott were all chosen as
finalists to compete and present their businesses to a panel of
local entrepreneur judges.
First place went to Gibson for Dan’s Place: a sustainably-minded
business centered around clean and renewable energy products.
Kupferschmid came in second with his expansive ideas for taking over
the family business, Kupferschmid Appliances.
For coming in first and second place, Gibson and Kupferschmid
received $2,000 and $1,000, respectively, to put their business
plans into action. Awards are funded by the Heartland Community
College Foundation.
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The panel of judges included Tim Rixstine of Molly Maid, Kelly
Mathy of Decorator’s Grocery, Melissa Larson of CPG Printing and Graphics, Donny
Bounds of Donny B’s Gourmet Popcorn, and banker/tax strategist Gary Bressner.
Many of the judges are Heartland alumni.
“This event allowed students to share their ideas and get exposure for their
businesses,” said HCC Professor of Accounting Paul Kelson. “Everyone did an
outstanding job and we really can’t thank our community judges enough for
sharing their expertise with our students creating a true real-world teaching
experience for them.”
The final competition was held on the final day of the Spring 2020 semester. The
video archive of the competition will be make available at
www.heartland.
edu/elevating.
[Steve Fast
Director, Public Information
Heartland Community College] |
