NVC 2025 Competition Program

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

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Director Julie Messing Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship Central Michigan University

YEARS OF NEW VENTURES. YEARS OF STUDENT SUCCESS.

VIEW SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE

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15 YEARS OF WINNING VENTURES

2014

Daniel Pearson & Tyler Gostinger

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

Un-Corked Courtney Lorenz, Emily Miller

2018

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Elemental Co. LLC Haley Rusicka, Susanne Wroblewski, Emily Austin & Augusta Overy

BETSPERTS, LLC. Reid Rooney, Sam Russell & Austin Harper

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2022 SafeRow Bayle Golden

BreezeSweep

The Cupcake Cafe

Ashfaq Sayeed, Daniel Lahey & Alex Reilly

Mariah Sperkoski

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Milele Tube Ben Mitchell & Wade Aitken Palmer

12 2016 ShareCase, LLC. Craig Thomas, Nicholas Cozzi, & Phillip Zerull

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FOCUS Ranit Karmakar

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STEMPOWER Bayle Golden

2013 Solar Cycle Lights, LLC Tyler Dunbar, Samantha Fiani, & Joe Shaheen

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Multi-Dimensional Manufacturing Nick Dubiel

Freight Fungi Christopher Rasschaert & Claire Laurenz

21 2024 Dominator Cleats Lawai’a Brown

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE

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LEGACY AWARD

CHARLES CRESPY

BRUCE MARBLE

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.

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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)

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE

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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

PASSCODE: NVC25

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FULL PRESENTATION CATEGORY HIGH GROWTH • MAIN STREET • SOCIAL MISSION

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.

JUDGES KATI MORA JEROME SCHWIND LYNDELL PATRICK JON VOIGTMAN

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE

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HIGH GROWTH High Level of Innovation.

High Potential for Growth.

AWARDS The Korson Family Highest Growth Potential Award | $10,000 The Reed Family 2nd Place High Growth Award | $5,000 3rd Place High Growth Award | $2,000

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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

GYMCRUSH NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 11

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

MARKUS SHANNON

PORTA-WALL JUDGES BRUCE CHATTERLEY JOHN KULHAVI BOB OROS ERIN STRANG

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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

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 13

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.

BRUNO GUBERINICH

AUTOFORGE 3D

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.

AUBREY VANDERMAAS

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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 RON BEEBE GREG COCKE JOHN RUTHER HAILEY POLIDORI CARAGAY

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 15

SOCIAL MISSION Where Doing Good IS Good Business.

AWARDS Glenn & Carol Cross Best Social Mission Award | $10,000 2nd Place Social Mission Award | $5,000 3rd Place Social Mission Award | $2,000

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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 NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 17

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 JUDGES BONNIE FAHOOME WARREN GALLOWAY ERIN PATRICE LEE CURTIS

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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

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 19

Pro Image Design is a custom signage and brand identity company based in Northwest Michigan, serving clients across the entire mitten. With 27 years of excellence, the company specializes in design, printing, vehicle wraps, storefront signs, message centers, and franchise work. Founded by Alan and Tara Hubbard, partners in both business and life, Pro Image Design has grown to 4 locations and 23 employees. As they continue to build on their legacy, second-generation successor Brynn Hubbard is poised to step into the industry alongside them, ensuring the company’s future remains bright.

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.

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ELEVATOR PITCH

CATEGORY

Fast Pitch.

Fierce Competition.

JUDGES JUSTIN ASHMAN DYLAN BANAGIS KYLE BAZZY SKYLAR BENNETHUM LAURA COFFEE CASEY CROAD

STEVE HAHN KATIA KOERNER ANTHONY LAZZARO ELIZABETH PROPP SPENCER SCOTT ALEXANDRIA TINKER

AWARDS 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 NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 21

ELEVATOR PITCH TEAMS Atti Naomi’s Foundation

Prosper Theories

BloomWish

Pure Essence

Bright Route

Roots & Wings

Creabrew

Samahjay’s Soul Food

EcoLink

Sight Haptics

Omomoemi Agbegha Que Huynh

Nick O’Brien

Mitchell Metiva Pratham Agarwal, Aashka Barot, Shamita Devanand, Sakshi Rajput

Equipment Funding Solutions Ethan Strand

FabFits

Pratham Agarwal Tarek Attal

Naina Rajan

Samahjay Hitchcock Daniel Lahey

Steel on Wheels Jared Moore Ashtin Keeler

Style Mirror

Poornimai Mekala

Bailey Anderson

Handymap

Taste of Home

Jade Walleman, Umm-E-Aimen

HSH Travels

Carolina Hernandez Ruiz

I-Sure

Shamita Devanand

Ksitira

Meenakshi Cheella

MusselMineral

Aksh Chaturvedi Zainab Naaz Maaz Ahmed

The Multiplayer Foundation Christian Toney

The Spiral Initiative Kenndall Wallace

Twine

Brea Hoffman

Adepileola Adebeso Ugonna Emeka-Inegbu Morgan Mussehl Grace Osiri Praise Oyimi

NutriSpark

Up North Adventures + Connection

Masaki Hara

North Woods Art Center Ryan Leonard

Park Buddy

Isabel Messinis Audreyanna Rollins Bray Wiesenauer

CHECK OUT THE APP! To view team details

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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

ANDREW MASON SAMANTHA PINA KEN TATE

AWARDS

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

CHECK OUT THE APP! Vote for your favorite displays!

Your voice helps decide the Audience Choice Best-in-Show Awards.

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 23

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Bob Larson Creativity Award $2,500

The Doug Parker Rural Impact Award $5,000

The Roger Wittenbach Visionary Award $5,000

Campus Impact Award $2,500

The CMURC The Chandler Skornicka The No Problem Free Membership Award Memorial Award Processing Entrepreneurial $1,500 value for Innovation Spirit Award $650 & Accounting $1,000 Services

JUDGES

JULIA BECKER BRYAN CARAGAY CASEY CROAD ZACHARY KONARSKA ERIN MARKOVICZ MARCUS MARTIN

PHILIP MUNDT KYLE MURRAY OLIVIA PAGEAU SAMANTHA PINA JEFF PUNCHES

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The MMDC Investor Award $3,000

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous supporters and donors whose commitment to fostering entrepreneurship has made our special awards possible!

INNOVATION SHOWCASE

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.

AWARDS 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!

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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

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NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE 27

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!

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