Excitement Builds for Spring Competition as UMSL Entrepreneurs Take Flight!

Support and Mentorship Fuel Success at UMSL’s Student Concept Competition

The 2024 Student Concept Competition, held in the Millennium Student Center, attracted 30 participants from various colleges and universities within the Student Entrepreneur Club. Scott Morris, director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis emphasized that the primary goal of this event is to help students become comfortable presenting in front of an audience.

The competition featured a top prize of $1,000, along with two second-place prizes of $500 and four third-place prizes of $250. Judges focused on confidence, stage presence, and storytelling ability. To prepare, students were paired with local entrepreneurship mentors to refine their presentations. Throughout the process, mentors guided the students and encouraged them to develop their ideas and see how far they could go. The competition served as an introduction to St. Louis’ entrepreneurship scene, with students envisioned using the prize money as seed capital to enhance their business pitches. The EIC plans to host another competition in the spring, offering a top prize of $5,000.

Morris noted that this is the first stage for pitching ideas; in the next session, students will pitch their businesses and demonstrate what they have achieved. This next round will be more serious and could lead them to the UMSL Anchor Accelerator, where they can access larger prizes and connect with supporters in the ecosystem. Brandon Partain presented his concept for "Make or Break It Rage Room," a place where customers can release stress by breaking everyday objects in a safe environment. The event showcased a range of innovative ideas, including the rage room, sustainable beauty products, and an app for finding the best grocery prices. Jesse Frey, a senior in business administration, won the top prize for his invention, Headlok, a heavy-duty hat retention clip for motorcycle riders.

The runners-up, each receiving $500, included Sedny Sorm and Kaine Koehler for EcoRadiance, and Anthony Garavaglia and Michael Sherblom for Agent Accelerator. Honorable mentions awarded $250 prizes and went to projects like Aisle 4, StickScript, Swap Meet, and My Care Companion. Garavaglia and Sherblom, who first met as freshmen and reconnected in a strategic management class, developed Agent Accelerator to address the lack of young real estate agents and affordable professional development options. Garavaglia emphasized that over-preparing was key to their success. They dedicated months to crafting their slides and refining their presentation, which he felt was crucial.

The Aisle 4 team was equally eager to gain real-world experience. Sullivan described the experience as nerve-wracking yet rewarding, noting how their hard work paid off during their presentation. Moss encouraged students to join the Entrepreneurship Club and take advantage of opportunities like the Student Concept Competition. Sherblom echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and recommending that students get involved, highlighting the supportive mentors and staff on campus. As we look forward to the next competition in the spring, it's exciting to see how these events foster collaboration and community support, paving the way for the next generation of innovators.

Editor's Note:

The 2024 Student Concept Competition at the University of Missouri–St. Louis showcased an impressive array of innovative ideas from 30 participants, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit on campus. Scott Morris's commitment to helping students become comfortable with presentations is commendable, creating a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs.
Jesse Frey’s success with Headlock, along with strong presentations from teams like EcoRadiance and Agent Accelerator, demonstrated the diverse talents emerging from this initiative. The focus on mentorship and preparation paid off.

Skoobuzz appreciates the support and guidance provided to students throughout the competition.