Winners of the Elevator Challenge, from left to right: Robert Henley, Judge’s Choice, Bethany Bowman, Best Pitch, and Carissa McAfee, Best Idea.
it takes exactly 27 seconds for the elevator in Cremer Hall at Emporia State University to reach the fifth floor and that's exactly the amount of time 27 teams had to give their business pitch.
On Feb. 15, 2017, the teams lined up on the first floor of Cremer to present their elevator pitches and compete for three, $100-prizes.
While students were waiting for their time to shine, they had the opportunity to speak with several local entrepreneurs including Amy Harmon who owns Ash, LLC; Jeremy Johns with Radius Brewing, Co; and individuals from CALM Child Care Agency. School of Business faculty and Lisa Brumbaugh from the Kansas Small Business Development Center were also there to discuss the student’s business plans for the Entrepreneurship Challenge. This gave students the opportunity for one-on-one time with “consultants” on their business plan and concept.
Students were eligible to win three different awards, including “Judge’s Choice,” “Best Pitch,” and “Best Idea.” Robert Henley, communication, was awarded “Judge’s Choice” for his team’s concept: a sports game day app for Emporia State University. This application would have quick updates for scores, stats, and highlights for all ESU athletic events.
Bethany Bowman, communication, was awarded “Best Pitch” for her team’s idea. Bethany pitched the concept of “Neckflix,” an online service that allows members access to ties and other like-accessory products.
“Best Idea” was presented to Carissa McAfee, a business major. She states, “My business concept is to begin a nonprofit theatre company that is specifically designed for special needs individuals. The program would tailor its script and activities according to the participants, and each camper would receive a one-on-one experience. The ultimate goal is to foster them through an audition, rehearsal, and performance process to facilitate peer interaction, communication, and confidence!”
Many of the students who competed in the Elevator Challenge have submitted executive summaries to compete in the Emporia Entrepreneurial Challenge.
“This event is open to Emporia State and Flint Hills Technical College students and develops and fosters a student’s venture opportunity recognition,” said Jeff Muldoon, assistant professor for the School of Business. “In addition, it provides students with a real-world exercise from which they could apply lessons they have learned in class. Overall, we feel that the Emporia Entrepreneurial Challenge is an important event for students.”
The event was organized by Muldoon; Sheryl Lidzy, associate professor for communication and theatre, and Beth Ginter, director of student services and marketing for the School of Business. The event’s judge was Rich Avery, manager of Pizza Ranch.
Fifty executive summaries have been submitted and will be graded. On March 3, the top 20 teams or individuals will be announced. The teams will give their oral presentations April 3 and 4 with the top three winners announced at an event on April 10. To learn more about the Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge, please visit https://www.emporia.edu/business/eec/