High Point University hosted a Business Plan Competition on April 12, 2023. The competition was designed to provide startup funds to young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. Five finalists were chosen to compete for a total fund of $30,000. After a rigorous evaluation process, the winners were announced.
Quentin Barriel, the creator of QuickTag, won first place and was awarded $12,000 in startup funds. QuickTag is a personalized tag for luggage that simplifies the identification process. The tag includes the owner’s name, contact information and a scanable QR code that can be used to track the luggage’s location. The judges were particularly impressed with how the product fills a need in the travel industry.
Erin Morrow, the creator of Rossom Robots, was awarded second place and $8,000. Rossom Robots is a robotic car cleaning service that utilizes sustainable cleaning agents. The service is designed to provide a safer and efficient alternative to traditional car washing. The idea impressed the judges who were able to see the potential of the product in busy urban areas.
Reeve Fatuova earned third place and $5,000 for BUSTZ sports bra. The sports bra includes a built-in cooling system that is designed to help women who suffer from skin irritation and other issues. The judges were impressed with how the product addresses a common problem for women who are active in sports.
Savannah Smith and Jake Lagana were both runners-up and were awarded $2,500 each. Savannah Smith created a cannabis-infused skincare line that is designed to heal and soothe different skin conditions. Meanwhile, Jake Lagana created a reusable notebook that is eco-friendly, cost-effective and easy to use.
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Shanté P. Williams, Global CEO of Black Pearl Global Investments, David Couch, CEO of Blue Ridge Companies, and Malay Shah, Director of Venture South Piedmont. The judges were impressed with the variety of ideas presented and how well the finalists articulated their business plans.
Dr. Williams praised the finalists for their creativity and innovation. “It’s exciting to see young entrepreneurs with bold ideas that have the potential to create lasting change. The winners have demonstrated that they have a clear vision for the future and the drive to make it a reality.”
The participants themselves were thrilled with the opportunity to present their ideas and compete for startup funding. “This competition was a fantastic opportunity to get feedback from experts in the industry and to network with other entrepreneurs,” said Erin Morrow, a second-place winner. “I’m grateful for the experience and excited to continue to develop my product.”
Quentin Barriel echoed these sentiments, “It’s an incredible feeling to be recognized for my work, and I’m excited to continue to develop my product with the funds I’ve been awarded.”
High Point University’s Business Plan Competition is just one way the university is supporting young entrepreneurs in the community. The university hopes to continue to support the growth of these up-and-coming businesses and the innovative ideas they bring to the table.
