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.
Dean Chris Moberg College of Business Administration
Central Michigan University
Director Julie Messing
Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
Central Michigan University
Isabella
YEARS OF NEW VENTURES. YEARS OF STUDENT SUCCESS.
15 YEARS OF WINNING VENTURES
Daniel Pearson & Tyler Gostinger
Un-Corked
Courtney Lorenz, Emily
2018
Elemental Co. LLC
Haley Rusicka, Susanne Wroblewski, Emily Austin & Augusta Overy
Episcura
Kurt Baringer, Chris Green, Christian Day, & Patrick McAvena
BETSPERTS, LLC.
Reid Rooney, Sam Russell & Austin Harper
Ashfaq Sayeed, Daniel Lahey & Alex Reilly
SafeRow
The Cupcake Cafe
Bayle Golden
Mariah Sperkoski
Miller
Milele
Ben Mitchell & Wade Aitken Palmer Solar
Tyler Dunbar, Samantha Fiani, & Joe Shaheen
Craig Thomas, Nicholas Cozzi, & Phillip Zerull
Christopher Rasschaert & Claire Laurenz
LEGACY AWARD
CHARLES CRESPY
Dean Emeritus
CMU College of Business Administration
Former Executive Director
Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
NVC LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Legacy Award pays tribute to two driving forces behind the creation 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 a platform where students could test ideas, build confidence, and connect with industry mentors.
This award commemorates their founding 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.
BRUCE MARBLE
EVENT SCHEDULE
11:00 AM
Competitor Check-In (EHS French Auditorium)
12:00- 12:30 PM
Judge Check-In (EHS French Auditorium)
1:00 PM-2:00 PM
1st Round Elevator Pitch Competition (BIO Atrium)
Stand Out Awards (BIO Atrium)
Final Round Competition (EHS French Auditorium)
2:00-2:10 PM
Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways
2:10-2:15 PM
Elevator Pitch Finalists
2:15-2:55
Main Street
2:55-3:00 PM
Elevator Pitch Finalists
3:10-3:55
Social Mission
4:00-4:05 PM
Elevator Pitch Finalists
4:05-4:50 PM
High Growth
Strolling Dinner & Awards
5:00-6:30 PM
Venture Gallery & Innovation Showcase with Strolling Dinner (Bio Atrium & BIO 1010)
Innovation Showcase & Venture Gallery Voting (BIO Atrium & BIO 1015)
6:30-7:45 PM
Awards & Recognition Ceremony (EHS French Auditorium)
7:45-8:00 PM
Dessert & Champagne (EHS French Lobby)
DOWNLOAD THE APP!
Everything you need for NVC … Right in your pocket
A lot has changed since the New Venture Competition launched 15 years ago –including how we keep you connected. This year, skip the paper programs. All the information you need is now in one convenient place: the EventMobi app.
With the app, you can:
•Stay on top of competition schedules and last-minute changes
•Read about the ventures competing in elevator pitch rounds
•Cast your vote for Venture Gallery Best in Show
•Discover exhibitors at the Innovation Showcase
•Support the future of entrepreneurship with a quick donation
It’s easy to use, updated live, and helps us reduce waste.
Make the most of your NVC experience – with everything you need, right in your pocket. Just scan the QR code to download and get started.
Scan here to download and register for the app, Eventmobi
FULL PRESENTATION CATEGORY
The Full Presentation finalist teams take the spotlight in an exhilarating showdown of innovation, strategy, and vision. After months of refinement, pivots, and countless sleepless nights, these determined entrepreneurs will make their ultimate pitch for entrepreneurial glory and a shot at the coveted $10,000 grand prize!
Our finalists will compete in three dynamic venture categories: High Growth Main Street Social Mission
One team will walk away with $20,000.
The Dianne and Mike Morey Overall Best Venture Award | $10,000
While competitors bring bold ideas to every category, only one venture will rise above the rest to claim the Dianne and Mike Morey Overall Best Venture Award. This honor recognizes the team that embodies innovation, creative thinking, and the potential to make a real-world impact.
KATI MORA JEROME SCHWIND
LYNDELL PATRICK
JON VOIGTMAN
CRE Nutrition is a fast and easy way for people to take creatine. We are developing our own creatine water and flavored drinks, as well as mix packets that offer people a quick and easy way to get their daily recommended amount of creatine to better their mind and body.
AJ KOSTIC
CRE NUTRITION
Finding the perfect client or personal trainer shouldn’t be a workout itself! Gym Crush makes lead generation effortless for fitness professionals, connecting them with motivated clients through a seamless swipebased experience. Trainers, say goodbye to chasing leads—spend less time marketing and more time coaching. Clients, find a trainer who truly fits your goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
EVE HARTMANN
The only lightweight, foldable, and modular room divider that doubles as a green screen. Unlike bulky competitors, it’s easy to set up, transport, and store—without sacrificing durability! In addition to it solving the burden of bulky, heavy room divider, Porta-Wall also solves the issue with the lack of portability that green screens have. With room dividers and green screens being essentials in a lot of content creators’ and remote workers’ work setup, they will get 2-in-1 package with Porta-Wall
PORTA-WALL MARKUS SHANNON
JUDGES BRUCE CHATTERLEY JOHN KULHAVI
MAIN STREET
Brick & Mortar. Heart & Soul.
AWARDS
John Kulhavi Top
Main Street Award | $10,000
The Isabella Bank 2nd Place
Main Street Award | $5,000
3rd Place Main Street Award | $2,000
AutoForge 3D specializes in 3D printing high-quality, customizable, and discontinued automotive parts. By leveraging additive manufacturing, it will provide car enthusiasts, repair shops, and businesses with costeffective, on-demand solutions that reduce inventory needs and minimize waste. The mission is to bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility in automotive restoration and customization.
AUTOFORGE 3D BRUNO GUBERINICH
Fizzing by a passion for community and bold flavors, Fire Up Sips! brings a Utah-inspired soda experience to Central Michigan. More than just a drink shop, we’re a vibrant hangout where friends connect over specialty sodas and unique mix-ins. Fire Up Sips! is all about creating a fun, refreshing, and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
FIRE UP SIPS! AUBREY VANDERMAAS
Songbird Studios is the progressive music publishing company that supports local songwriters. Our goal is to provide access and opportunities for Michigan-based songwriters to get their original music recorded, used, and heard. Through placements in movies and TV, recordings done by other artists, and consistent royalty payouts, we make building a career around songwriting possible. With an alteration on the traditional music publishing deal, Songbird Studios hopes to revolutionize the local music industry, providing compensation for creation while building a sustaining music community.
JACOB MCLE0D
SONGBIRD STUDIOS
JUDGES
SOCIAL MISSION
AWARDS
Glenn & Carol Cross
2nd
3rd
GeoDome is a social venture that builds innovative dome structures for college campuses to inspire third-space community beyond the classroom. Our mission is to construct welcoming, weatherproof spaces where students can gather, collaborate, and feel a real sense of belonging. By fostering outdoor engagement in communal settings, we aim to combat the loneliness epidemic that contributes to rising college dropout rates across the nation. We believe that shared experiences in thoughtfully designed spaces help students feel more at home, strengthening campus communities and student well-being.
MELA HAMMOND, MICHELLE AMOO & VIBEKE RIVET
GEODOME
Master Mental Mindset LLC is a mental health and motivational speaking service. We put students, athletes, and communities at the heart of an empowering journey. We aim to create a supportive and thriving community where every individual feels heard, valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential. We provide in person interactive workshops for sports teams and schools, along with monthly virtual clinics for students and athletes. Together, we can break barriers, spark growth, and build a healthier, more connected community.
ALEXA WEBER
MASTER MENTAL MINDSET
Inner City Inclusion (ICI) is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering underserved youth by providing access to higher education. Through targeted programs, mentorship, and community support, ICI helps students from low-income, inner-city backgrounds overcome barriers to college success. By focusing on education and opportunity, ICI works to create lasting social and economic change, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
MORGAN SHROPSHIRE, CARNELL POINDEXTER, AMBER LADD, KYLE COX & KENNEDY BUTLER
INNER CITY INCLUSION
ALTERNATIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL PATHWAYS
Inherit, Acquire, Thrive:
Alternative Paths to Ownership
AEP celebrates students pursuing nontraditional entrepreneurial journeys – whether through family business succession, innovation within existing companies, or entrepreneurship through acquisition. Selected after a competitive preliminary round of five-minute pitches and judge Q&A, the winning team will present their venture during the NVC Finals.
AWARDS
The Doug Parker Alternative Entrepreneurial Pathways Award | $5,000
BRYNN HUBBARD
PRO IMAGE DESIGN
JUDGES
ANDREW MASON
LIZ CONWAY
ZACHARY KONARSKA
Congratulations to Brynn on winning the AEP competition, and to finalists Brea Hoffman with Northwoods Art Studio and Ethan Strand with Equipment Funding Solutions for their well-delivered presentations.
ELEVATOR PITCH
CATEGORY
JUDGES
JUSTIN ASHMAN
DYLAN BANAGIS
KYLE BAZZY
SKYLAR BENNETHUM
LAURA COFFEE
CASEY CROAD
AWARDS
Fast Pitch. Fierce Competition.
STEVE HAHN
KATIA KOERNER
ANTHONY LAZZARO
ELIZABETH PROPP
SPENCER SCOTT
ALEXANDRIA TINKER
Top Elevator Pitch Award | $4,000
2nd Place Elevator Pitch Award | $2,000
3rd Place Elevator Pitch Award | $1,000
(2) Elevator Pitch Honorable Mention | $300
ELEVATOR PITCH TEAMS
Atti Naomi’s Foundation
Omomoemi Agbegha
BloomWish
Que Huynh
Bright Route
Nick O’Brien
Creabrew
Mitchell Metiva
EcoLink
Pratham Agarwal, Aashka Barot, Shamita Devanand, Sakshi Rajput
Equipment Funding Solutions
Ethan Strand
FabFits
Poornimai Mekala
Handymap
Jade Walleman, Umm-E-Aimen
HSH Travels
Carolina Hernandez Ruiz
I-Sure
Shamita Devanand
Ksitira
Meenakshi Cheella
MusselMineral
Masaki Hara
North Woods Art Center
Brea Hoffman
NutriSpark
Ryan Leonard
Park Buddy
Isabel Messinis
Audreyanna Rollins
Bray Wiesenauer
To view team details
Prosper Theories
Pratham Agarwal
Pure Essence
Tarek Attal
Roots & Wings
Naina Rajan
Samahjay’s Soul Food
Samahjay Hitchcock
Sight Haptics
Daniel Lahey
Steel on Wheels
Jared Moore
Ashtin Keeler
Style Mirror
Bailey Anderson
Taste of Home
Aksh Chaturvedi
Zainab Naaz
Maaz Ahmed
The Multiplayer Foundation
Christian Toney
The Spiral Initiative
Kenndall Wallace
Twine
Adepileola Adebeso
Ugonna Emeka-Inegbu
Morgan Mussehl
Grace Osiri
Praise Oyimi
Up North Adventures + Connection
Sawyer Cadarette
Maxwell Grubaugh
VENTURE GALLERY
Check out the venture gallery and meet the teams during the strolling dinner!
JUDGES
JUSTIN ASHMAN
SKYLAR BENNETHUM
LUKE CASTLE
AARON DESENTZ
AWARDS
ANDREW MASON SAMANTHA PINA KEN TATE
Best Venture Gallery Award | $4,000
2nd Place Venture Gallery Award | $2,000
The Greg and Sue Cocke 3rd Place Venture Gallery Award | $1,000 (2) Honorable Mentions | $300
YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
Team Financial Top Audience Choice Venture Gallery Award | $1,000
Venture Gallery Audience Choice Runner-Up | $500
Vote for your favorite displays! Your voice helps decide the Audience Choice Best-in-Show Awards.
SPECIAL AWARDS
The Bob Larson Creativity Award
$2,500
The Doug Parker Rural Impact Award
$5,000
The CMURC Free Membership Award
$1,500 value
The Chandler Skornicka Memorial Award for Innovation
$650 & Accounting Services
The Roger Wittenbach Visionary Award
The No Problem Processing Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
$2,500
$5,000 The MMDC Investor Award $3,000
$1,000
JULIA BECKER
BRYAN CARAGAY
CASEY CROAD
ZACHARY KONARSKA
ERIN MARKOVICZ
MARCUS MARTIN
PHILIP MUNDT
KYLE MURRAY
OLIVIA PAGEAU
SAMANTHA PINA
JEFF PUNCHES
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous supporters and donors whose commitment to fostering entrepreneurship has made our special awards possible!
The Innovation Showcase at the New Venture Challenge highlights non-competing students, programs, and projects that are pushing creative boundaries and building a culture of innovation across campus.
INNOVATION AWARDS SHOWCASE
Team Financial Top Innovation Showcase Award | $1,000
The Dennis and Brenda Buckler Innovation Showcase
Audience Choice Runner-Up | $500
VIEW DISPLAYS
Check out all the awesome display tables from colleges across campus!
THANK YOU
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 Program
CBA Faculty & Staff
CMU Advancement Team
CMU Catering
CMU Printing Services
Design Bureau
Museum Studies Program
NVC Advisory Board
PLAN Office
University Events
CBA Dean’s Office
FUEL THE FUTURE
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The New Venture Competition, Lyndell Patrick Make-a-Pitch, and all the hands-on programming offered through the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship are only possible because of the generous support of our mentors, volunteers, and donors.
IBIE empowers students to turn bold ideas into action – fostering entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, and real-world experience across disciplines. From launching ventures to innovating within existing businesses, students gain the skills and confidence they need to make a lasting impact.
This work doesn’t happen alone. It happens because passionate individuals give their time, talent, and resources.
Join us in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Get involved. Give back. Make a difference.
DONATE HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
