There was standing room only for the third Pitch Contest, sponsored by West Liberty University’s Gary E. West College of Business and its Center for Entrepreneurship. It took place March 26, 2014 at WLU’s downtown incubator, the Intellectual Capitol, located at 1413 Eoff Street, in the historic First State Capitol Building.
Speaker Liz Elam began the night of new business thinking with her 5:30 p.m. presentation on cowering, a concept that she’s been very successful with in Austin, Texas. She shared thoughts and tips on how Wheeling can improve use of its empty buildings by company giving entrepreneurs an ideal place to create and connect. She has become a prominent voice in the coworking movement, hosting the annual Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC) for three years running.
After the speaker, the entrepreneurs competing in the event began their presentations.
“We were thrilled to have eight pitchers this time. The winner received $5,000 to start their own project,” said Dr. Carrie White, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship.
The winning pitcher was Mason Dixon BBQ Co., founded by WLU College of Business student Patrick Fisher. A second time competitor in the pitch contests held by WLU, he was thrilled. He is the owner of a successful catering and food stand business in Moundsville, with a Facebook presence.
Other entrepreneurs pitching their ideas included: Jeremy Larance, Karissa Duke, Tannon Mossor, Tyler McGary and Taylor Snare, Jonathan and Perry Napier, Chad Hill, and Devin Harrison and Kevin Kalany. Recycling, gaming and beer brewing were some of the other products promoted.
A grant from the United States Department of Agriculture provides significant support to the West Liberty University Center for Entrepreneurship. Sponsors include West Liberty University’s Gary E. West College of Business and Center for Entrepreneurship, the Regional Economic Development Partnership and Vision Shared, Huntington, W.Va.
For more information please contact White at 304-336-8159 or at cwhite@westliberty.edu.