PITCH IT Recap!
On December 2nd, LAUNCH CHA held its annual district-wide Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, Pitch It at the Granfalloon.
Competing teams were made up of 48 students from Tyner Academy, Central High School and Brainerd High School. Students worked during the Fall semester with LAUNCH CHA facilitators and business mentors as part of LAUNCH CHA’s High School Entrepreneurship Program. After the teams pitched to a panel of judges, they were placed as follows:
3rd Place: Essentials / Tyner Academy
All-natural, hand-crafted flaxseed hair gel for all types of hair.
2nd Place: IDFP (Industrial Diabetic Fanny Pack) / East Ridge High School
A heavy-duty, reinforced fanny pack that will keep insulin and other supplies safe, insulated, and portable for diabetics on the go.
1st Place: Ideas² / East Ridge High School
A small, portable idea dispenser designed for artists and writers experiencing artist’s block.
In addition, Gum Under Management, presented by Kevin Greene of Central High School received an honorable mention for his innovative product and excellent presentation.
To help continue to further their education, first place team members each received the prize of a Chromebook, with second place team members receiving tablets. The third place team received a small cash prize. In addition to the winning teams, Tyner Academy won the vote for the most in the audience attendees.
Teams were judged on how clearly they stated the problem their business was addressing, how clearly the solution to the problem was stated, their understanding of the startup costs and financials, as well as creativity of the pitch. The four judges were Lakweshia Ewing, CEO of Unlearn Everything and Live; Aaron Welch, CEO of Woorly; Rebecca Feldbin, PR and marketing specialist of The Bex Co.; Tucker McClendon, Manager of Chattanooga Market and Hamilton County School Board Member, District 8.
LAUNCH CHA’s High School Entrepreneurship Program serves eight Chattanooga area high schools, including the aforementioned three, as well as The Howard School, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA), The STEM School, Red Bank High School and Brainerd High School. The program supports and empowers students through entrepreneurship education and a simulated startup experience. In each of the schools where LAUNCH CHA serves, students work in small groups to conceive of a business idea, create a simple business plan, and when appropriate a prototype. Through this program, students gain knowledge as well as skills in leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and problem solving.
