Pathways to Success students take part in business pitch competition

Pathways to Success recently held a pitch competition, similar to a “Shark Tank” experience, for students in the entrepreneurial training program.

The students participated in a 16-week program facilitated by Kindra Harvey, owner of Purpose Worx LLC, a business consulting firm. Pathways to Success team members Melody Duverger, program manager, and Emerald Waters, assistant coordinator, worked along with Harvey in preparing the students to pitch their business ideas. Concepts pitched included two statement T-shirt companies, specialized face masks and holistic reproductive care for women.

The students had five minutes to give each presentation that included the business idea, concept, potential barriers, product design, target market, competition and financials. The top three winners all attend Sussex Technical High School. First-prize winner is junior Zeniah Holland; second prize went to senior Jakai Jones, while senior Zariyah Smith took third prize, and Pathways to Success alum Shanyah Smith finished fourth.

Local business leaders who judged the competition included Jeffrey Benson, president of One Direction Insurance; Kathleen Schell, co-owner and managing partner with Ocean Atlantic International Realty; Michiko Seto, owner of Blooming Boutique stores; and Karen Sposato, co-owner and president of marketing and sales with Sposato Family Vineyards.

“I think this should be an annual event. It is a great opportunity for students to develop a business plan around their product. Kudos to Pathways to Success, Kindra Harvey and the kids,” said Benson.

“I was impressed with the depth and breadth of ideas presented, but really blown away by the verbal presentations and passion behind the ideas,” said Schell.

“I was surprised how confident and prepared they were for their presentations,” said Seto.

“This was a wonderful exercise in the students taking their passion and taking it to the fruition of the presentation. They were well trained, and it was evident everything that was taught they used in their prepping,” said Sposato.

“We are so very proud of these students and their presentations, and there will definitely be more activities for those interested in entrepreneurial training,” said Pathways to Success founder and Executive Director Fay Blake.