BizPitch 2021
The fourth annual Clarion University BizPitch Competition was held on November 17, 2021 in the Suites on Main North Movie Theater. The competition
awarded $3,250 to three students for their business pitch. Prizes ranged from $1,500
for first place, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place, and a fan favorite
award of $250. A total of four students competed in the final round for a chance to
win cash prizes.
Students from all majors were encouraged to participate and could enter solo or in
teams of no more than four, and presented their five to seven-minute business pitch
to a panel of judges. The competition was open to part-time and full-time students
enrolled in the fall semester at Clarion University. Sponsors of the event were Scott
and Pamela Kroh, the Kroh family, and Robindale Energy, Tom Bowman and Bowman and
Company, Clarion University Interhall Council, and First United National Bank.
Marcus Ryan, a senior Business Management major, won first place and fan favorite for a total of $1,750. His business, Skoolie City, is contract-work based business that facilitates the remodeling of old school busses into renovated motor homes. With help from Skoolie City, customers will have their dream motorhome, all at a very affordable price.
Indya Durham, a sophomore Communications major, whose business is an online cosmetic store that features a variety of high-quality and affordable products, won second place, $1,000. The business’s mission has been to give customers a wellness experience that goes beyond face value
Shamyia Johnson, a junior Early Childhood Education major, won third place, $500, with her business in which she creates one of a kind works of art for customers and creates works of art by commission.
All student participants were assisted by the Clarion University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in conjunction with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. The SBDC and ELC assists entrepreneurs and business owners by helping them develop the planning, management, and financial skills necessary to make their business thrive. The one-on-one management consulting emphasizes education and guidance in finding practical solutions to business problems. Consulting is confidential and provided at no charge by a staff of skilled professionals. Areas of consulting include but are not limited to: management and marketing assistance, business planning, loan packaging, financial analysis, procurement, human resources, and environmental management. Funding for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is provided by Clarion University of Pennsylvania, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, enabling the SBDC to provide its services at no cost.
The fifth annual competition will be returning next year. Stay tuned for more information regarding important dates and details. Students are encouraged to continue interactions with the Small Business Development Center and Entrepreneurial Leadership Center to develop and refine their innovative ideas and business plans.
