REXBURG – Five students have been working all year to solidify their original business idea pitch in hopes of winning a $1,000 prize and bragging rights as Madison High School’s first business pitch winner.
“Shark Tank” winner Jeremy Carlson will host the highly anticipated contest on Monday at 3878 Jake Way Suite 10th. It starts at 7pm.
Jennifer Barzee, an advisor with Business Professionals of America, came up with the idea while working with a group of local business leaders to learn what they needed to teach students to enter the real world. I got an idea.
“I want to prepare students for the workplace, so when I was hiring, I asked them what they didn't see in employees. Then I try to address those things in the classroom,” Barzee said. I did. “We also talked about getting more students enrolled and excited about business, and one of the ideas was this pitch night, a Shark Tank-like competition. At that meeting, the two companies each donated $500, and the game was on!”
Rachlin Golder, Ace Ingram, Lydia Woodall, Addison “Gekko” Cates, and Ethan Hathaway all participated in the contest. Some students have already started their own businesses and need support. Others are still in the development stage.
Barzee has provided access to mentors in all aspects of the business.
“This year, we held three workshops in schools during lunchtime, where we invited mentors and local business owners to work with the students who participated. We connected them to mentors and patent attorneys, provided legal advice, and provided marketing support,” Barzee said.
All contestants found a niche related to their personal interests and hobbies.
Sophomore Ethan Jackson is excited to pitch his ideas. He doesn't want to give away too much before the contest, but says it will include buying and selling products.
“I've always been interested in starting a business,” Jackson said. “I think small businesses have a really big impact on any community, so encouraging students to learn (how to start a business) can have an impact on any community.”
Three local professionals, Darrin Herzoff, Heather Weber and Justin Ellingford, will serve as the official judges and determine the winner. Barzee is looking forward to the participants and the entrepreneurial experiences they will have.
“We want them to know that the business community supports entrepreneurship and that there are a lot of people out there who are passionate about what they do,” Barzee said. “I hope the students feel confident and I hope this funding will help them grow their businesses or further their education. You can write it on your application for money.”
Participation fee is $1 on the day. Every ticket purchased includes a vote, but your vote will only count as a small portion of your total votes.
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