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Pitching for cash For the past five years, Director
of 32 student teams. Each of those
ground. “At this point, we have had 11
of the Center for Entrepreneurship
winning teams then qualify to apply
teams take their idea to some stage
and Economic Development (CEED)
to the statewide event, the Idaho
of start-up,” Street noted. “We feel
Dr. Jeff Street has led the U.S. Bank
Entrepreneur Challenge (IEC), held in
we have one team this year that will
Pitch-Off event, which challenges
Boise each spring.
make it to start-up stage.”
students to develop a business plan
“Most of the winning teams in these
“This is a terrific event with huge
for a product or service and present
events are small business ideas that
educational value for our students,”
it to a panel of judges in just 10
could be started with the resources
said Director of the Small Business
minutes. For the second year, Street
found in Idaho,” said Street. Among
Development Center Ann Swanson.
added the introduction business
the winning teams was a holiday
Throughout the competition, the
course, Management 1101, to the
decoration
service
entire CEED team, including the
mix, inviting 148 underclassmen to
with a return and resale mechanism.
SBDC, serves as a resource for
join a Shark Tank 101 challenge prior
Another idea was for a mechanical
students to help get their ideas
to the annual Pitch-Off event.
device used to help train K-9 police
rolling and to the feasibility stage.
“We typically invite 24 teams to
dogs with a hands-off approach.
“Students see it as one of the best
participate in the U.S. Bank Pitch-
Another winning idea was a food
activities they have had in their
Off event, so when space allows, the
truck aimed at the Boise downtown
business education,” said Street.
top scoring teams from Shark Tank
market which would offer unique
“It is a great confidence builder
101 are invited to join and compete
regional foods, and the last winning
and a chance to use their business
in the U.S. Bank Pitch-Off for seniors
idea was a locator device made to
education and passion for starting
and graduate students from across
look like jewelry for senior citizens
a business. Judges return year after
campus,” said Street.
suffering from memory problems.
year to help with the event and
This year, two underclassmen from
Throughout the years, the Pitch-Off
always speak highly of the quality of
Shark Tank 101 were invited to
and IEC events have provided students
ideas and presentation skills of our
participate in the U.S. Bank Pitch-
with the amazing opportunity to get
students.”
Off for cash prizes, making a total
their entrepreneurial ideas off the
subscription
John Ney (left) and Dr. Jeff Street (right) pose with student winners. Photo 1: Sofia Milovanovic, Hannah Rasmussen, Emily Christopherson; Photo 2: Audrey Moerer; Photo 3: Lynnea Dale; Photo 4: Channing Mitson; Photo 5: Rylle Dawson; Photo 6: Lara Maccabee, Emelia Childress
