On April 24th, 2024, UMass Dartmouth buzzed with entrepreneurial energy as it hosted the annual Junior Achievement Pitch Contest. This vibrant event brought together budding entrepreneurs from various high schools, including Taunton High School, Taunton Alternative High School, Whaling City High School, Durfee High School, and New Bedford High School. The young innovators took the stage to present their self-started companies, vying for the title of the best business plan and ready-made business.
A Showcase of Young Talent
The event was a platform for these high school students to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas. Each team had the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of esteemed local judges. These judges evaluated the presentations based on the robustness of the business plan, the feasibility of the business, and the potential for future growth.
The Teams and Their Ventures
The participating teams displayed a diverse range of businesses, each reflecting the creativity and determination of its founders:
- Keychain Kreations (Taunton High School)
- TTAGS (Taunton High School)
- Kicking KeyChains (Taunton High School)
- UpCycle Accessories (Taunton Alternative High School)
- PrintPal (New Bedford High School)
- Project Limitless (Whaling City High School)
- Timeless Cases (Durfee High School)
- SURI (Durfee High School)
- Lux at Last (Durfee High School)
These young entrepreneurs shared the challenges they faced in starting and maintaining their businesses. They discussed overcoming obstacles, learning from failures, and what they would change in their process, providing valuable insights for their peers and mentors alike.
Learning and Mentorship
The contest was more than just a competition; it was a learning experience. Students had the chance to receive feedback from the judges, interact with mentors, and learn from the successes and challenges of their peers. This environment fostered a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging students to support and inspire each other in their entrepreneurial journeys.
The Winners
After much deliberation, the judges announced the winners of this year’s contest:
- 1st Place: Lux at Last – Durfee High School
- 2nd Place: PrintPal – New Bedford High School (Bilingual)
- 3rd Place: Kicking KeyChains – Taunton High School
Lux at Last from Durfee High School wowed the judges with their innovative approach and solid business plan, securing the top spot. PrintPal from New Bedford High School impressed with their bilingual business model, earning second place. Kicking KeyChains from Taunton High School took third place with their creative product line.
Annual Celebration of Young Entrepreneurs
The Junior Achievement Pitch Contest is an annual event, led by dedicated organizers Edith Colon, Jeffrey Pelletier, and Paige Gooden. It serves as a testament to the potential of young entrepreneurs and the importance of nurturing their talents.
This year’s event was a resounding success, filled with inspiration, learning, and the promise of future business leaders. As the participants return to their schools, they carry with them invaluable experiences and the confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The future of business looks bright with such passionate and driven young minds leading the way.
