¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s future innovators and business leaders stepped into the spotlight during the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Pitch Contest on April 8.
The event brought together aspiring entrepreneurs to present their business concepts to a panel of local business leaders. The top proposal earned $1,500 in seed funding and a one-hour consultation with the law firm Baird Holm.
Pitches focused on concepts ranging from sustainable fashion and plus-size dancewear to support services for student startups and individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
First place went to Bailey Klanderud and Landon Tjaden for their proposal, The Village Collective—a marketing and operations company that hosts pop-up markets on university campuses featuring goods made by students and community members. Gracey Smith earned second place, and the team of Harry McDonald and Nellie Kranau finished third.
Beyond cash prizes, participants gained valuable hands-on experience in business planning, public speaking and problem-solving—skills that prepare ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students in all fields for success beyond the classroom.
The ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Pitch Contest was hosted by the university’s Philip S. Mullin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program as part of its commitment to experiential learning and real-world readiness.