Ten semi-finalist teams have been selected to move ahead in the West Virginia University Entrepreneurship Center’s eighth annual Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition.
Earlier in the semester, 98 applicants from seven colleges and universities in West Virginia submitted business ideas to be evaluated by a panel of professors, venture capitalists, experienced entrepreneurs, high-tech industry leaders, certified public accountants and business lawyers.
Participants were able to enter as individuals or as a team, but all participants were to be enrolled as full-time students at a college or university in West Virginia. Additionally, all winners will locate their businesses in West Virginia.
Students from Farimont State University, Glenville State College, Marshall University, Ohio Valley University, Sheperd University, University of Charleston and West Virginia University entered the competition. The semi-finalists will compete again on Nov. 18 at the Bridgeport Conference Center as part of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Initiative conference.
Entries are divided into two categories: Innovation and Lifestyle. A $10,000 grand prize will be awarded to the winning team in each category. Each grand prize also includes professional services to assist in starting the business. The top 10 semi-finalists teams from each category are:
Innovation Semifinalist
Local Oasis, Paul Gallagher, WVU
youPon, Lauren Nicholson, WVU
Inflatable Crash Pads, William Tuckwiller, WVU
Plandoms, Jillian Cobb, WVU
Backpack Generator, Trent Walker, Glenville
Bradley Adaptors, David Summerfield, WVU
Green Door, Natalie Parkins, Marshall
Digital Signs, Andrea St. Clair, WVU
Trifecta, Dominick Iacovone, University of Charleston
Foto Fun Factory, Keith Salnick, WVU
Lifestyle Semifinalist
Hartle’s Curbing, Logan Hartle, WVU
Morgantown Artisan’s Gallery, Katie Mullins, WVU
Comprehensive Planning, Janel Bedard, WVU
Nearly Weds, Chelsea Young, University of Charleston
Kate B Imagery, Kaitlin Ritz, WVU
Devon’s Dirt Cheap Compost, Devon Maher, Glenville
Amped Fitness, Brad Guyer, WVU
Employ Y, Tyler Martin, WVU
Brittannia, Jessica Blankenship, Ohio Valley
Fridley’s Fruits, Keri Fridley, Marshall
-WVU-
10/28/09
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