Reprinted from Noozhawk [original article]
Students in the San Marcos Entrepreneurship Academy (SMEA) presented their innovative business plans in a trade show format recently at SMEA’s annual Business Plan Showcase.
This showcase is a culmination of the students’ work, networking, connections, and skill-building, offering a glimpse into the future of business and innovation in our community.
SMEA students presented their unique business plans, developed over the course of the three-year program. Each plan reflects comprehensive market research, strategic planning, and financial projections.
The winners:
CoachLink SB by Ethan Ball and Gage Minnie: An app that connects students with opportunities to teach young athletes.
Ready, Set, Bake! by Shea Cogswell, Ilan Abramov and Sofia Llewellyn: A baking kit that provides pre-measured ingredients for each recipe.
Zen Cycle by Viviana Galindo, Gracie Fedor, Sofia Orwig, and Vanessa Ramirez: A monthly subscription hamper that delivers essential products for a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The showcase replicated a trade show, allowing participants to walk through booths and interact with the student entrepreneurs. Attendees included parents, members of the Santa Barbara community, and judges who provided feedback and selected the winners.
“It’s inspiring to see students’ ideas come to life and to witness their growth as future business leaders,” said marketing student Taylor Bronson.
The San Marcos Entrepreneurship Academy is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking. The academy prepares students to navigate the challenges of the business world and make a positive impact in their community.
The San Marcos Culinary Arts Program catered the event, offering various light appetizers, drinks, and sweet treats at the Montecito Executive Suites in Santa Barbara. Students from both marketing and finance classes played key roles in presenting the showcase.
The event judges were:
Mike Chou, regional vice president at Jackson
Luis Villegas, vice president/director of Community Relations at Alliance Wealth Strategies
Ryan Judy, CEO of MOS Equipment
Amanda Benenati, vice president/marketing at MOS Equipment
Nick Bolton, senior Vvice president/Revenue and Customer Operations at ProducePay
Emma Nazim, co-founder of Constructable
Comments