Women entrepreneurs and businesses win a total of $5,000 at the Women’s Pitch Competition.
On October 24, the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab held one of its most anticipated
events of the year, the Women’s Pitch Competition sponsored by Women of WVU Foundation.
The audience was electric in their excitement to witness the contestants pitch
and hear from the judges.
The impressive line-up of judges consisted of: Assistant Vice President for WVU Innovation Corporation, Erica Steratore; Executive Director for the Women of WVU Foundation, Jena Prokopchuk; Director of INNOVA Commercialization, Michelle O’Connor; Anna Carrier, Co-Owner of the Cupcakerie Café & Frose.
Followed by our contestants: Goldrenrod Kitchen, Nola Todd; MUSEMO, Aryuanna Mosley; Sweet Treats, Abigail Doak with Austin Weese; Rhi's Trees, Rhianne Markovchick; Rhodes Bakery, Madison Martin.
Winners and award amounts:
PANEL-DESIGNATED AWARDS
Nola Todd Goldenrod Kitchen - $2,500
Abigail Doak with Austin Weese Sweet Treats - $1,500
Rhianne Markovchick Rhi's Tree - $1,000
POPULAR VOTE
Nola Todd Goldenrod Kitchen - $125
Aryuanna Mosley MUSEMO - $125
The audience felt so strongly about two businesses that the popular was tied, which led to the prize being split evenly between Nola Todd and Aryuanna Mosley.
A special thank you to the emcees of the night Carla Posey and Eva Toor. Carla Posey is the LaunchLab’s very own Sr. Student Prototype Engineer who is set to graduate in December and move onto a propulsion work job with the United States Navy. Eva Toor is a lifelong equestrian and a women entrepreneur. She has won this pitch competition previously and received funding from many more to build a line of successful products.
Thank you to the Women of WVU Foundation for sponsoring the 2024 Women’s Pitch Competition.
Next week November 7th the LaunchLab is hosting its last pitch competition for the fall semester, the Zinnstarter Pitch Competition. RSVP using the link below. As well, Ignite WV applications are opened and close January 22nd 2025.