NVC 15th Anniversary Special Program

Central Michigan University 1

Central Michigan University

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Central Michigan University

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Central Michigan University

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Central Michigan University

WELCOME As we celebrate 15 years of NVC, we want to take a moment to recognize our partners, sponsors, donors, and the many dedicated and talented people who have contributed to the success of this event.

Because of your contributions, NVC continues to provide a space where creativity, innovation, and passion thrive. But it has become so much more than just an event, it is a community where students are given the opportunity and mentorship to turn the seeds of dreams into the beginnings of their own venture. Each competitor leaves more prepared than when they started, with the tools and connections needed to blaze new trails.

It is an absolute honor and privilege to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs - and not just those within the College of Business.

With your help, entrepreneurship is now able to be celebrated by all colleges on the Central Michigan University campus.

The first 15 years have been both awe-inspiring and motivating. We can’t wait for the next 15 years of success, growth, and innovation and our continued partnership with those who make this event possible - people who know what it’s like to dream big, to make the right connections and build great things. People just like you.

Thank you.

Chris Moberg, Dean College of Business Administration Central Michigan University

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Julie Messing, Director Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship College of Business Administration Central Michigan University

Competition Agenda 15 Years of NVC IBIE Programs Acknowledgments

05 06 - 12 13 - 22 23 - 29

COMPETITION AGENDA Welcome 1:00 PM: NVC Welcome & Kick-off (EHS French Auditorium)

Elevator Pitch 1:05 PM - 2:00 PM: 1st Round Elevator Pitch Competition (BIO Atrium)

Final Round Competition 2:05 - 2:10 PM: Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways (EHS French Auditorium) 2:10 - 2:15 PM: Elevator Pitch Finals (EHS French Auditorium) 2:15 - 2:55 PM: Main Street (EHS French Auditorium) 3:00 - 3:05 PM: Elevator Pitch Finals (EHS French Auditorium) 3:10 - 3:55 PM: Social Mission (EHS French Auditorium) 4:00 - 4:05 PM: Elevator Pitch Finals (EHS French Auditorium) 4:05 - 4:50 PM: High Growth (EHS French Auditorium)

Strolling Dinner & Awards 5:00 - 6:30 PM Venture Gallery & Campus Showcase with Strolling Dinner (BIO Atrium) 6:30 - 7:45 PM Awards & Recognition Ceremony (EHS French Auditorium) 7:45 - 8:00 PM Dessert & Champagne (French Lobby)

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Central Michigan University

15 YEARS

LEAVING A LEGACY For 15 years, the New Venture Challenge has helped CMU students turn ideas into ventures, offering $100,000 in prizes and invaluable entrepreneurial opportunities. Celebrate our 15th anniversary founding members, past winners, and see what CMU entrepreneurial students are up to today.

Thank you for supporting NVC for 15 years!

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Central Michigan University

15 YEARS

LEGACY AWARD The Legacy Award pays tribute to forces behind the creation and growth of the New Venture Competition fifteen years ago: Dean Emeritus Charles Crespy and former Director of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship Bruce Marble.

Their vision transformed entrepreneurial education by creating and expanding a platform where students could test ideas, build confidence, and connect with industry mentors.

This award commemorates their contributions and celebrates how their vision has grown into a program that launches careers, builds businesses, and inspires generations of innovators who carry forward their legacy.

CHARLES CRESPY

BRUCE MARBLE

Dean Emeritus CMU College of Business Administration

Former Executive Director Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

NVC LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT

NVC LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT

“The biggest takeaway from NVC is the dedicated staff, administrators, development officers, mentors, faculty members, and volunteers who all came together to help launch these successful startups.”

“This program was intended to be experiential. You learn by doing. We wanted this experience to be transformative.”

-Chuck Crespy

-Bruce Marble

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HybridPay

Daniel Pearson & Tyler Gostinger

Claiming the $30,000 grand prize, entrepreneurship majors Daniel and Tyler proposed an online account system that would allow consumers to integrate all credit, debit, and rewards cards.

The NVC Journey

2013

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Milele Tube

Ben Mitchell & Wade Aitken Palmer

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Mechanical engineering students Ben and Wade launched Baisikeli Ugunduzi – Swahili for ‘modern bicycle’ – that offered high quality bicycle components to the millions of rural poor in Sub-Saharan Africa who depend on bicycles to earn a living.

Solar Cycle Lights, LLC

Tyler Dunbar, Samantha Fiani, & Joe Shaheen

2014

A strong team of entrepreneurship, finance and recreation majors joined forces to take the top spot with Solar Cycle Lights – a multi-purpose, detachable, solar-powered safety light for bicycles with an attachable charger.

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Episcura

Chris Green, Kurt Baringer, Christian Day, & Patrick McAvena

Un-Corked

Emily Miller, Courtney Lorenz Entrepreneurship students Courtney and Emily were awarded $30,000 for their hybridized wine cork product, a greener alternative to traditional wine stoppers.

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Central Michigan University

A dynamic team with a collective 20 years of experience in animation, design and technology won with a service providing high -dynamic -range and texture images to artists for use in movies, video games and digital art.

2016 ShareCase, LLC.

Craig Thomas, Nicholas Cozzi, & Phillip Zerull A cross-departmental partnership of medical students Craig and Nicholas and mathematics student Phillip led to the creation of a unique interactive web-based curriculum for medical students.

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Multi-Dimensional Manufacturing Nick Dubiel

A single student beat out the competition for the top award with the ‘Metaloid’ – an advanced 3D-printer nozzle prototype that aimed to print eight times faster than conventional printers on the market.

2018 Elemental Co. LLC

Haley Rusicka, Susanne Wroblewski, Emily Austin & Augusta Overy A strong team of entrepreneurship and STEM students launched a specially designed and tested thermal bra for breast cancer survivors.

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BETSPERTS, LLC.

Reid Rooney, Sam Russell & Austin Harper

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Taking advantage of the legalization of sports betting, graduate students Reid, Austin and Sam pitched a crowdsourced gambling site geared towards improving betting outcomes by combining social media, advice, and user analytics.

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Ranit Karmakar

Pitched by doctorate student Ranit Karmakar, Focus introduced a mobile microscope for eye bank technicians to evaluate tissue for eye diseases without the need for complicated processes.

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SafeRow

Bayle Golden

SafeROW claimed 1st place in Social Mission with a tracking wristband to help parents protect their kids.

BreezeSweep

Ashfaq Sayeed, Daniel Lahey & Alex Reilly BreezeSweep topped the High Growth competition, taking the $10,000 grand prize home with their direct-to-consumer electricity-producing windmill.

Freight Fungi

Claire Laurenz & Christopher Rasschaert

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Christopher and Claire pitched an ecofriendly alternative to plastic packaging.

They created a sterile package material made from mushroom mycelium - a common waste product in the food industry.

2025

15 YEARS OF WINNING VENTURES 10

2022

FOCUS

Central Michigan University

2022 marked the beginning of a new competition format for The New Venture Challenge, splitting the top prizes among three different venture categories.

20 2024 23 Dominator Cleats Lawai’a Brown

Entrepreneurship student and CMU football linebacker Lawai’a Brown beat out the competition to take home the $10,000 Overall Best Venture award with his football cleat prototype, a new football cleat designed to prevent common player injuries like turf toe.

The Cupcake Cafe Mariah Sperkoski

Passionate cupcake expert Mariah baked her way to the top in Main Street with The Cupcake Cafe.

Thanks to the support of Michael & Dianne Morey, 2023 marked the reintroduction of the Overall Best Venture award: An additional $10,000 award for the best top venture of out the three categories.

STEMPOWER Bayle Golden

Graduate student Bayle Golden took home the $10,000 Overall Best Venture award with her nonprofit, STEMPOWER, an organization aimed at increasing STEM participation for girls living in rural areas.

COMPETITOR

REWIND & REFLECT

Hailey & Bryan Caragay ‘17 Hazel Coffee Co.

Zach Huffman ‘18 Hyvion

“The people are what makes NVC what it is. We would not be where we are today without the mentors, advisors, and everyone that sat down and talked to us and was willing to take a meeting and spend 30 minutes a day with us. That’s what got us to where we are and that has grown us to where we are. Sure the 20 thousand-dollar prize make you feel really good, but it’s the lasting relationships that I think make NVC what it is - it’s the people that they bring forward to help, support, and inspire people to become business owners and entrepreneurs.”

“My life would not nearly be what it is without the New Venture Competition. The people that we met helped give us the confidence to start our own thing.

I called one of our mentors when I was deciding between keeping my job or fully diving in. Without that confidence in knowing we had people in our corner still at Central that we met, that we competed with, that have competed in years past, they really gave us the confidence we needed to take it from the university to the real world.”

Diana Magdaleno-Leal ‘23 Don Abelardo’s Bakery

Casey Croad ‘19 Ignite Donuts

“I didn’t make my donut recipe perfect from the get-go, I learned a lot along the way. Through those experiences and opportunities like the workshops and mentorship meetings I was able to really solidify what Ignite is today.”

“NVC helped me understand that this is something I could actually pursue and not just something to be interested in while in college. I won first place in the Main Street category. The biggest lesson I took was to be yourself. I was able to get new equipment and a new mixer and uniforms. Our baked goods are now in 43 markets, 5 restaurants and we’re hoping to get into larger grocery chains. Go ahead and take that challenge, you never know where you will end up.”

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Central Michigan University

Celebrating

MILESTONES

As fifteen years of the New Venture Challenge conclude, they leave behind a legacy of hundreds of student entrepreneurs who transformed concepts into market realities—each pitch, prototype and business plan contributing to an evolving ecosystem that continues to shape campus innovation culture while preparing students to address tomorrow’s challenges through entrepreneurial thinking.

877 COMPETITORS 507 VENTURES OVER $1,000,000 IN CASH AWARDS

NVC

TODAY

The New Venture Challenge has evolved to meet the needs of today’s entrepreneurs.

Learn. Connect. Launch.

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2022

2023

2024

Introduced the Innovation Showcase, giving students the opportunity to spotlight creative and inventive projects.

Launched the Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways competition track, creating a new competition category for students who plan to acquire businesses or work within family-owned businesses.

Added new special awards— including the Rural Impact, Creativity, and Campus Impact Awards— to recognize promising ideas and unique focus areas beyond the overall winners.

Central Michigan University

Constructing

NEW PATHWAYS We’re expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem with new programs, experiences and more opportunities to take risks and launch new ideas beyond the startup.

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Central Michigan University

Isabella Bank

Institute for Entrepreneurship Our mission is to serve student entrepreneurs across campus and beyond. We aim to maximize student success by fostering their entrepreneurial mindset, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and provide support for the creation and development of new ventures.

Click to explore IBIE

IBIE

PROGRAMS

We’re expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem with new programs and hands-on experiences to give students opportunities to take risks and launch ideas beyond the New Venture Challenge.

Click to explore programs

Explore the possibilities.

IDEA DEN MAKERSPACE

UNIVERSITY INNOVATION FELLOWS

Build on your ideas and find community in the Idea Den Makerspace.

Jump start innovative campus initiatives as a University Innovation Fellow (UIF).

STEPHEN WAKELING & ERIN GENDRON ENTREPRENEURIAL SCHOLARS

MENTOR PROGRAM

Explore the entrepreneurial world as a Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholar.

Learn from experienced and driven professionals within our mentoring program.

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Central Michigan University

From Blueprint

TO BRILLIANCE

The IDEA Den in Grawn Hall is more than a makerspace—it’s a creative hub where student entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and bring bold ideas to life. With free access to 3D printers and other prototyping tools, plus support from trained student tech experts, the Den empowers students at every stage of their venture journey.

Click to explore the IDEA Den

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PROTOTYPING IN THE DEN

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The Idea Den Tech Coordinators work closely with student entrepreneurs on developing the material, vision and processes to make any idea into reality, supporting students through the first steps of product design and manufacturing.

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IBIE Programs

University Innovation

FELLOWS

The fellows showcased their visionary project in the Netherlands!

Congratulations fellows for earning your pin!

The University Innovation Fellows program, a global initiative from Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, empowers student changemakers to reimagine their campus environments through innovative solutions. At Central Michigan University, the 2024-2025 cohort of four fellows has focused on transforming underutilized spaces into outdoor learning and community hubs. These exceptional students—Michelle Amoo, Mela Hammond, Reeve Katt, and Vibeke Rivet—represent diverse academic backgrounds from law and economics to mechanical engineering. Through their visionary geodesic dome project, equipped with Wi-Fi, seating, and soundproofing, they aim to create environments that enhance student productivity, mental health, and campus connections.

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Central Michigan Michigan University University Central

Stephen Wakeling and Erin Gendron

ENTREPRENEURIAL SCHOLARS

PROGRAM FOUNDERS, ERIN GENDRON & STEPHEN WAKELING

The Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars Program at Central Michigan University transforms students’ professional trajectories through immersive real-world experiences, including trips to Detroit’s innovation hubs, Atlanta’s tech corridor, and the South by Southwest Conference in Texas.

Beautiful nightview in Austin, Texas

SXSW posted wge on their instagram page!

As Wakeling and Gendron look toward the future, their vision remains student-centered and impact-focused. “As an entrepreneur, I’ve spent a lot of time gathering groups of people together and chasing down a vision that not so long ago felt like an impossibility,” Wakeling reflected. “We have a really great group that isn’t just part of the scholars program—they’re now part of the team. I’m excited to see what we can continue to build together.”

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Central Michigan University

IBIE Programs

Meaningful

MENTORSHIP

We asked the mentors: How does NVC help students in today’s world?

“With diverse competition tracks and significant cash awards, it fosters creativity, builds confidence, and encourages innovation. Ultimately, the NVC helps prepare students for realworld business challenges.”

- Glenn Cross, retired marketing executive, Paycor & Dynatrace

“It can pull out the entrepreneurship spirit in somebody. It can make them a little bit more fearless. And I think that can provide tremendous value far beyond just starting a business, whether you are starting one or whether you’re going to go in and be a great team member at another company.”

- Dan Ward, co-founder and president of Detroit Labs

“One of the many things I love about my role at CMU is seeing students grow through the New Venture Challenge. The real value of NVC is in the experience. It pushes students to refine their ideas, connect with key stakeholders, and receive valuable feedback.”

- Dr. Lauren Zettel, assistant professor of Entrepreneurship in the CMU College of Business

“Embrace failure—it’s not the opposite of success; it’s part of the process. Every setback is a lesson that sharpens your skills and strengthens your resilience. The sooner you lean into that mindset, the more unstoppable you become.”

- Danny Butler, CEO of Invest in You Coaching

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Central Michigan University

“NVC matters because it helps kids realize the entrepreneurial dream isn’t just for the Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos of the world.

It’s obtainable for anyone with hard work, conviction, and the ability to pivot.”

- Matthew Skornicka, CPA, Skor, P.C.

JEFF THOMAS

ACORN AWARDS

Celebrating mentorship at every stage.

In memory of Jeff Thomas, the Entrepreneurship Department presents awards to individuals who honor Jeff’s legacy and passion for entrepreneurship. The acorn is a symbol of growth and unlimited potential, something which Jeff was extremely passionate about. It possesses “oak knowledge”, or all the knowledge that is needed to create a mighty oak tree. The acorn teaches us about our own potential, as one acorn can grow into a colossal oak tree and seed an entire forest.

Joseph Affholter

MTRAC Commercialization Program Director Oak Award

Each year two recipients receive the Jeff Thomas Acorn Award.

The “Future Oak” award will be awarded to an individual that has really “planted” themselves in the entrepreneurship program by making the most of the opportunities at CMU and showing indicators of entrepreneurial leadership.

The “Oak” award will be given to a current or past faculty member, advisor, or alumni who has directly invested themselves, their ideas, their connections, and experiences towards supporting entrepreneurial students.

Trevor Shuman ‘24 Entrepreneurship Graduate Future Oak Award

“I had an aching sense that our time is short, shorter than we ever know, short as a morning run, and I wanted mine to be meaningful. And purposeful. And Creative. And Important. Above all...different. I want to leave a mark on the world.”

- a quote from Jeff’s favorite book, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Erin Markovicz ‘24 Entrepreneurship Graduate Future Oak Award

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It Takes A

COMMUNITY Donor

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Over a million dollars awarded to student ventures.

Thank you to all past and current donors who have made student ventures possible.

Alpine Holdings, L.L.C. Bandit Industries, Inc. Mr. Daniel J. Boge Mr. Dennis Buckler Shannon Burke Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Cross Dow Corning Corporation Mr. Michael J. Drew Epsilon Nu Tau Eta Chapter Mr. and Mrs. Jae Evans Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC Attorneys Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Halewicz Health Care Reimbursement Solutions Inc. IBT Foundation Isabella Bank K.C. Jones Plating Co. Mr. Chris King Mrs. Rhonda Kohler Mr. Zachary Konarska Mr. and Mrs. Wayne M. & Vicki Korson Mr. and Mrs. John G. Kulhavi Mr. Robert M. Larson Lodgco Management Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Maczka Mr. Kenneth McCarter Mecca Properties, LLC Mrs. Julie Messing Ms. Jessica Meyers

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Michigan Technological University Middle Michigan Development Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Mike & Dianne Morey Mr. Paul B. Murray Nexteer Automotive Mr. Ross A. Noel Mrs. Kristie M. Nystedt Ms. Nathalie Osborn Mr. Douglas M. Parker Mr. Lyn Patrick PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP Raleigh Brewing Company Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. & Judy Reed Mr. and Mrs. David H. & Susan Roberts Mr. Clyde W. Rucker Mr. and Mrs. John Ruther Mr. and Mrs. John G. Scalabrino Mr. Matthew Skornicka Spectrum Health SpinifexIT North America Inc. The Stroh Companies Inc. Team Financial Group Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Allen J. & Nancy Vander Laan The Labelle Family Mr. Craig VanRaemdonck Ms. Erin Gendron and Mr. Stephen O. Wakeling Mr. Roger A. Wittenbach

Judge

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thank you for 15 years of evaluating student ideas.

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B

Shorouq Almallah Ron Alvesteffer Dave Anderson

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Mike Gilmour

Nick Cozzi

Jacalyn Goforth

Chuck Crespy

Keith Goodwin

Matt Larson

Casey Croad

Tyler Gostinger

Bob Larson

Kyle Stahl

Glenn Cross

Denise Graves

Anthony Lazzaro

Tony Stamos

Lee Curtis

Steven G. Grimes

Arpana Lhila

Evanina Gunther

Courtney Lorenz

Scott Daigger Jim Damman Peder Danielsen Kathy Daunheimer

Justin Ashman

Scott Daunheimer

Lindsay Aspegren

Rico DiGirolamo

Emily Austin

David Dirven

Ragnar Avery

Lynette Disberry

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David Dorner

Ed Bailey

Rachele Downs

Carter Ballinger

Michael Drew

Rebeca Barrios John Bartos Rick Barz

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Kyle Bazzy Julia Becker John Bedz Ron Beebe David Bell

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Michelle Hall

Jim Hayes

Ellington Ellis Carl Erickson Gunther Evanina

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Lee Falck Andy Fennell

Larry Herriman

Jim Marinik

Jackie Herring

Andrew Mason

Camille Hoisington

Paul Masson

Dom Holmes

Maggie Mayes

Kristen Holt

Jim McBryde

Debbie Horak

James McBryde

Zachary Huffman

James McColgan Thomas McElgunn

Lori Fischer

Wayne Blaser

Paul Fisher

Kevin Blaser

Amy Fisher

Tyler Bradfield

Cindy Fitzgerald

Bob Brentin

Louis Foreman

Joy Buchanan

Tony Fox

Linda Kennan

Rob Burgan

James Franz

George Kikano

Christy Fultz

John Kolarevic

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Courtney Garrett

Ira Kreft

Tom Coke

Taylor Gast

Nick Krzyzaniak

Liz Conway

Erin Gendron

Art Kubert

Bill Cook

John Gershenson

John Kulhavi

Erin Strang

Amy Parsons

Doug Strock Timothy Syfert

Kristie Nystedt

Amanda Tillotson

Robb Porter

Alexanderia Tinker

Jeff Punches

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Arcadio Kayo Ramirez Rick Rautanen Sethu Reddy

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Alex Redei Lee Richards

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Dave Underwood Janice Underwood

Mike Rush John Ruther Kristin Ruther Stanley Samuel Bob Schroeder Mike Schutte Jerome Schwind

Al Vander Laan Leslie Vickey Jon Voigtman Stephen Wakeling Dan Ward Mark Wayne Jeff Wesley Doug White Chris Williams Emily Worline Art Worster

Clyde Rucker

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Matt Uhl

Penny Queller

Gerry Rosten

Kyle Murray

David Nows

Brian Polowniak

Dave Romenesko

Paul Murray

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Bill Thomson

Dovid Roetter

Philip Mundt

Doug Neal

Sarah Pobocik

Joe Roebuck

Brent Mulder

Eris Taylor Bruce Thelen

Eric Roberts

Chris Moultrup

Mohamad Mustafa

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Lisa Tarkington

Michael Pintek

Dave Roberts

Kati Mora

Zachary Konarska Ken Kousky

Tom Stewart

Olivia Pageau

Susan Roberts

Chris Moberg

Tom Kelly

Warren Galloway

Laura Coffee

Q & R

Sharon Miller

Neil Katz

Vicki Korson

Peter Stencel

Bob Oros

Elizabeth Propp

Emily Miller

Melanie Kalmar

Elissa Gagne

Paula Sorrell

Troy Prill

Fred Molnar

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Matthew Skornicka

Nick Oertel

Samantha Pina

Jim Mentele

Mike Jakolat

Jennifer Bialy

Greg Cocke

Dave McQuade

Paul Jacques

Don Johnson

Hailey Caragay

Robert McKellar

Nick Jacqmain

Michael Finney

Dan Odykirk

Marv Pichla

Tim Magnusson Brianna Makaric

Jeff Bennett

Ted Skinner

Daniel Pearson

Sherry Magnusson

Vince Hendon

Travis Johnson

Bryan Caragay

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Daniel Mahlebashian

Ron Fillmore

Reed Shick

Mike O’Donnell

Erin Patrice

Paul MacArthur

Richard Hayes

Skylar Bennethum

Terry O’Brien

Lyndell Patrick

Kevin McCurren

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John Lynch

Jae Evans Bonnie Fahoome

Ryan Landau

Amberlyn Hales

Mike Harter

Dylan Banagis

David Ladner

Jody Lundquist Steve Hahn

Bob Hanson

Martin Dober Blake Bachelor

Spencer LaBelle

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Brian Gibson

Brent Cox

Melodie Anderson-Boling

Alan Barr

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Kevin Cotter

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Deb Zellner David Zick

Your generous investment and expertise represents the true spirit of entrepreneurship.

Tember Shea Caryn Shick

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Mentor

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thank you for your dedication to supporting and guiding student entrepreneurs.

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Joe Affholter Dr. Paul Albee Concha Allen Michael Armstrong Justin Ashman Emily Austin Jim Baker Julie Baker Carter Ballinger Dylan Banagis Jeff Banker Kurt Baringer Andrew Barnard Michele Bartosek Al Beahn David Bellimar Jim Bennethum Skylar Bennethum Robert Berry Eric Blaine Kevin G Blaser Vigdis & Emil Boasson Rose Brauner Tim Brockman John Bunch Shannon Burke Kevin G Campbell Bryan Caragay Kim Carrion Lisa Casper Jeremy Catarino Sarah Cay Ken Cherry Usha Chowdhary Chuck Crespy Casey Croad Glenn Cross Patrick Curtin Robert Dahl Dr. James Damitio Abdrew Dennison John Diebel Jerry DiMaria Bill Dobreff

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J K

Lee Falck Martea Ferguson Amy Fisher Charles Fitzpatrick Nancy Fitzpatrick Steve Ford James Foulds Gary Gagnon Daniel Gaken Courtney Garrett Delbert Garrett Dr. Timothy Gates Mike Gilmour Sean Goffnett Tom Gordon Kelly Grace Patrick Grashorn Denise Graves Joe Green John Gustincic Steve Hahn Howard Haines Daryl Hargrove Steven Harrast Felecia Harrell Anthony Hawksby Joe Herman Andrew Heuerman Troy Hicks Monica Holmes Dom Holmes Nick Houghton Jeff Hoyle Zhenyu Huang Zachary Huffman Cheryl Hunter Nizar Hussein Bryan Janes Greg Jaroch Aaron Jones Samantha Jones Tolga Kaya William Kelly John Kemp Cedric Kennedy David Knapp Heather Knewtson

Patrick Okonkwo Emanuel Olivera Kasryn Olson Pyayt Oo Ken Orr

Zachary Konarska Sandra Kragujevac Fredrick Kulhman Anil Kumar

Michael Drew Tyson Dubay

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N O

Jason Lacina Andre Laplume Anthony Lazzaro Delois Leapheart Jonathan Leinonen Kevin Lentz Lawrence Lepisto Paul Levy Qi Liao Matthew Liesch Samuel Lockwood Courtney Lorenz Michele Loughead Russell Louks Kevin G Love Maureen MacGillivray Bruce Marble Lincon Mason Kevin McCarron Jim McColgan Thomas McElgunn Julie Messing Roy Messing Latesha Merkel Janet Metsa Dr. Van Miller Terence Moore Kati Mora Michael Morley Clark Most Ian Mull Philip James Mundt Jim Muri Kyle Murray Phil Musser Dr. J Naber Paul Natke Concha Neeley PhD Paul Nelson Lincoln Niewladomski Ross Noel David Nows Scott Oberski Gloria Obeso-Levy Erin O’Brien Teresa O’Brien Daniel Odykirk

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Olivia Pageau Kevin Park John Parmentier Pablo Parraga-Ramirez Brian Partie Jim Penz Samantha Pina Mike Pisani Mark Pittillo Jonathon Poland Hailey Polidori Caragay Michael Potter Jean Prout Jeffrey Punches Jason Ratledge Alex Redei Kaye Reimers Alejandra Rengifo John Repyak Robby Roberts Spenser Robinson Kristie Roethlisberger Thomas Rohrer Alvin Roselin Steve Ruch Kenneth Sanney David Saroli Mr. Sassine Amanda Schafer Matt Schantz Chelsea Schelly Mike Schuette Cathy Schweihofer James Scott Patrick Seeling Caryn Shick Steve Shields Edgar Simpson Chad Skop Matthew Skornicka Robin Sosnow David Stairs Keeley Stanley Peter Stencel Michael Stinson Sheri Stronach Chelakara Subbaraman

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Jindoing Tan Crina Tarasi Eris Taylor Ramesh Thakur Jim Therrell Less Thomas Jeff Thomas Taylor Thompson Tomas Thundiyil Alexanderia Tinker Shane Torrey Stefan Tracenrider Stephen Tracy Matthew Uhl Rahul Uppasala Tony Urban Betsy VanDeusen-Macleod Tony Vanhorn Gustav Verhulsdonck Patrick Vissner Michael Vullemot Jeff Wagner Stephen Wakeling Chris Wallis Anne Walz Dan Ward Kristine Weidner Dean Weston Jared Weston Bill Whalen Curt White Zac Williams Ken Williams Dee Williams Ed Woelfert Penny Woelfert Emily Worline Susanne Wroblewski Roger Wyse Robert Zelle Deb Zellner Lauren Zettel Erin Zimmer

“It is really important to be involved.

Whether you’re a student or a business leader. It’s about getting a lot of good people together who are really driven. There is a great deal of energy about it and a lot of great opportunities come as a result.”

-Tony Fox, SBDC executive director and mentor

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Special Thank You

NVC SUPPORT TEAM

We want to recognize the dedicated people across campus and beyond who orchestrate workshops, assist competition participants, help build prototypes, design material, broadcast the competition and provide support throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for your contributions and support towards the NVC event and CMU student entrepreneurs.

BROADCAST PRODUCTION

The broadcast program within the CMU College of the Arts and Media has been a longtime partner of the New Venture Challenge. Thank you to Bob Larson, Professors Kevin Campbell and Mike Potter and producer Megan Hart for their partnership.

CHEERS T 15 YEARS!O

MUSEUM STUDIES

Thank you Professor Ron Bloomfield and the Museum Studies 315 Museums, Stakeholders and Community class for their work on the 15th Anniversary display project.

Thank you to the dedicated broadcast team: Evan Blum Mario Caballero Kevin Campbell Adrian Castillo Bradley Falkhagen Kris Ferrer Matt Franklin

Gretchen Furst Megan Hart Joanne Hite Sarah Kelly Bob Larson Aaron Moore Andrew Portwine

Mike Potter Katelyn S Timothy Short Jr Reiken Smith Rachel Summers Christian Valk

Kayli Adams Natalie Armstrong Justyn Boone Eva Collins Theodore Farley Bailey Foley

Journie Garvie Hunter Loubert Madison Melcher Chelsey Ortquist Elliot Portice Rebekah Wineman

DESIGN BUREAU Design Bureau has been a collaborating partner of NVC since 2013. This course is part of the Graphic Design major in the College of Arts and Media. Through this partnership, NVC students receive free graphic design services to build the branding of their venture while Design Bureau students gain experience working with clients and building their portfolio.

Thank you to Professors David Stairs and Clark Most for their longstanding support.

And thank you to this year’s students who helped out our 2025 participants: Abigayle Bartlett Michael Carlson Alexandria Chingman Ayrionna Christian Angelina Chynoweth Emma Corbett Courtney Hanses Kaylei Harrison Clayton Hildebrandt Emma Junga Jordan Kinney Lydia Leboeuf Sierra Loubert

DeAndre Martin Joelle McGee Gibson Owens Sarah Piatek Ava Zaffarano

Central Michigan University Michigan University 27 27Central

NVC ADVISORY BOARD

EVENT SUPPORT

Bob Larson Kristie Nystedt Stephen Wakeling Dan Ward

CMU Advancement Team CMU Catering CMU Printing Services University Events

CBA FACULTY & STAFF Kurt Baringer John Bunch Jayden Ellsworth John Gustincic Howard Haines Cindy Howard Danielle Mason Julie Messing

Chris Moberg Cleamon Moorer Kaye Reimers Spenser Robinson Rachel Trost Penny Woelfert Lauren Zettel

IBIE STUDENT TEAM Amy Adams Tyler Dewitt Connor Johnson Reeve Katt Teagan Kazim Skky Lawrence Rhea Mall Reshma Potluri Rahul Uppasala

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Central Michigan University

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Central Michigan University