West Liberty University’s Fourth Pitch Contest drew six hard working entrepreneurs who presented their ideas to a crowded room filled with interested university and community members.
The winning idea was presented by Lindsay Schooler of Wheeling, who is the owner of Happy Goat Yoga.
“It was an enormous honor and big surprise to win the contest. There were a lot of interesting ideas and great competitors,” said Schooler. “It was great to see the number that turned out to support the event. It was a very positive experience.“
Held from 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 in the Wheeling Brewing Company, located in Centre Market, the contest offered new start-ups a chance to sell their idea and win a $2,500 prize. The contest was open to the public.
Schooler is a graduate of WLU, earning a degree in English and writing in 2004. She’s also taught yoga at WLU for the past four years.
“I’m hoping to open my own studio in late October. I’ll have different level classes like, gentle yoga, chair yoga, basic hot yoga and power yoga. I also plan to offer specialty workshops, with different teachers, showing variations and techniques like aromatherapy,” Schooler said.
“Yoga has many health benefits and is a way for staying fit and reducing stress, something everyone needs.”
Her new studio is located in an historic structure located at 600 Main St. in Victorian North Wheeling.
Other business ideas and contestants included: Wheeling Maker Space by Libby Horacek; Haas Car Escort Service by Daltan Haas; AP Performance by Brian Thompson; Idea Toss by Kathy Mahley and Sparster by Tyler McGary and Taylor Snare.
Each pitcher was given 10 minutes to present their ideas and after all presented, the audience could vote on the winner. Judges also voted and each judge received one vote, with the audience members receiving on cumulative vote as well.
Judges included community leaders: Les DeFelice, Emily Fisher, Shawn Fluharty, Pete Holloway and Brian Joseph.
Dr. Carrie White plans and coordinates the pitch contests that take place twice a year. The next one will be in March 2015.
“I’m grateful to our judges and audience members who participated and assisted in our fall pitch contest. These contests are working and have given a boost to many new businesses. Each time we do one, it helps build a better community for all of us,” White said.
Sponsors include West Liberty University’s Gary E. West College of Business and Center for Entrepreneurship, Grand Vue Park and the Regional Economic Development Partnership.
The Center for Entrepreneurship is a division of the Gary E. West College of Business and offers catalyst for innovation and job creation in West Virginia and the region.
Entrepreneurs seeking more information should contact White at 304-336-8159 or at cwhite@westliberty.edu.