The Stockton Entrepreneurship Club (S.E.C) hosted their Inaugural Success Pitch on November 8, 2024, giving students an opportunity to showcase new creative business ideas and innovative entrepreneurial efforts. The Success Pitch was held in the Campus Center Theatre on Friday night, with a distinguished panel of judges including industry leaders, Stockton University faculty, and business development experts. Sponsors for the event include the following: Dr. Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt from Suasion Communications, Ed., MBA, Dr. Megan Hart from Stockton Alumni Relations, and alumni Desiree Nnadi and Chukwuemeka Nnadi from Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.

The night began with Vice President of S.E.C., Abu Shahariah, greeting the guests and introducing his club. Shahariah explained that the idea of Success Pitch is similar to the ABC Network television show, “Shark Tank.” Students will have seven minutes to pitch their business or idea, and were given 3-5 minutes to answer any questions the judges might have. Contestants competed to place first, second, and third with the grand prize being $500. Followed by Shahariah were the remarks from Provost Michael Palladino, the event’s Guest of Honor. He expressed that these student entrepreneurs do not need to study business to become successful entrepreneurs, and that successful entrepreneurs come from various fields and backgrounds. He also explained that entrepreneurs can benefit from learning alternative subjects like social justice, biology, environmental science, and more. Palladino concluded by students good luck with their future entrepreneurship endeavors. 

The event showcased seven innovative Stockton students who shared their ideas and business plans. Students presented diverse and creative companies and ideas: from small businesses who are actively selling products to an online platform for professionals to teach courses on their skills to a recreational dispensary that implements a rotating menu.

One of the contestants, Jaylah Rolle, presented her up and coming handmade crochet accessories. Rolle creates bags, headbands, hats and more using colorful yarn. After presenting the designs and their prices, Rolle shows the judge’s analytical data from her business growth from the past few months.

Other contestants, Senjuti Das and Arnab Das Utsa pitched their company, “Course Bank.” The idea is to create an online platform that bridges education and employment, promoting skill classes for professionals to teach and a “live bootcamp” feature for learners. 

One contestant had a different approach. Charles Obirinanwa entered the stage and took the microphone into his hand. He began his presentation with confidence and introduced his company, “Noxidura Innovations.” Obirinanwa seemed eager and prepared for his pitch, walking from one side of the stage to the other. Obirinanwa believes that Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope, is the answer for sustainable packaging for companies to help fight pollution. He claims that the reason that Graphene is so desirable for eco-friendly packaging, is because it is considered one of the world’s strongest, safest, and lightest substances in nature. He hopes to target small and medium eco-friendly food companies, and he believes the key to work with larger companies is to work with small businesses first. This way, one can build a track record and have data to present to the bigger names. If he were to win, Obirinanwa is looking to use the $500 grand prize to build a foundation for the company’s exposure. 

The event then concluded with a dinner among the audience, participants, and judges as well as the announcement of the 2024 Success Pitch Winners. In first place was Obirinanwa, and in second place, winning $250, was Aidan Perrone. Perrone proposed the idea of a method for using plants and greenery to remove heavy metals from toxic soils. Finally, in third place was Jaylah Rolle, winning $100 with her pitch for “Bags By Jay.”

To learn more about the Stockton Entrepreneurship Club, visit their OspreyHub.