Jacksonville, AL – The College of Business and Industry at Jacksonville State University (JSU) marked a significant milestone on April 6th, 2024, as it hosted the very first Annual Gamecock Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition in Merrill Hall B01. This pioneering event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the JSU community and beyond.
The competition kicked off with an open invitation to all campus members to submit executive summaries outlining their entrepreneurial concepts. Drawing participation from across multiple colleges within JSU, the event attracted fifty enthusiastic students eager to pitch their innovative ideas. Grading these executive summaries were esteemed individuals: Mrs. Amy Simon, Mrs. Cassie Ward, and Dr. Celestine Valentin.
From the pool of submissions, twenty finalists emerged, selected for their promising entrepreneurial concepts. These finalists then diligently prepared their entrepreneurial pitch decks for the final showdown held on April 6th, 2024. To assess the pitches, a panel of judges comprising prominent figures from the local business community lent their expertise. The judging panel included Mrs. Linda Hearn, President and CEO of Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Ken Grissom, Director of Small Business Development Center; Mrs. Christi Johnson, President and CEO of Etowah County Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Corey McWhorter, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Banking at Regions Bank, Anniston.
Following intense deliberation, the winners of the 2024 Annual Gamecock Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition were announced:
1. Megan Smith – Mae’s Photography (1st Place)
2. Andrew Ray – Ray’s Detailing (2nd Place)
3. Olivia Fields – Paws and Pints (3rd Place)
The success of this competition not only highlights the entrepreneurial talent thriving within JSU but also underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. Indeed, every participant embodied the spirit of excellence upheld by Jacksonville State University’s administration, faculty, staff, and students.
