At the upcoming INCubatoredu Pitch Night, five teams from the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy at Kempsville High School will present their business ideas to a panel of experts in a “Shark Tank”-style event. This Kempsville High School startups pitch event, in its fourth year, will see students present their businesses they’ve developed under mentor guidance throughout the school year. The panel includes notable figures such as Gov. Glenn Youngkin and music producer Chad Hugo. With $25,000 in prizes, donated by host Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key/PHR, the event is set to be a significant opportunity for these young entrepreneurs.
Introduction
From Inside Business By Sandra J. Pennecke
INCubatoredu Pitch Night
Virginia Beach — Five teams of young entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a host of experts including Gov. Glenn Youngkin and music producer Chad Hugo during the upcoming INCubatoredu Pitch Night.
The students, all enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy at Kempsville High School, were selected to participate in the “Shark Tank”-style event on May 10. Hosted by hotelier and developer Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key/PHR in Virginia Beach, the event is in its fourth year.
Student Teams and Business Ideas
Ashley Houchins Smith, entrepreneurship and business academy teacher, said the sophomore students entered the class in September and formed 14 teams within weeks before spending the remainder of the school year developing their businesses under the guidance of mentors.
The teams were narrowed down to the strongest five: Orcasunn, Wavlength, Refill, Beauty Perfection, and Port Power.
Judges and Prizes
The judges’ panel, in addition to Youngkin and Kempsville High alum Hugo, includes CEO Jerry Miller of The Miller Group; Gilbert Bland, president, and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads; Monique Adams, executive director of 757 Angels; George Clarke IV, president of MEB; and Dennis Ellmer, president and CEO of Priority Automotive.
Smith said a total of $25,000, donated by Thompson, is given away at each Pitch Night in varying amounts.
Event Details
Held in the school’s auditorium at 5194 Chief Trail, Virginia Beach, doors will open at 4 p.m. and the event starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are free, but spaces must be reserved in an advance at gofan.co/app/events/595385?schoolId=VA12899.
Conclusion
Two of last year’s winning teams, World Play, and Swag Stick, will be at the event to share the ongoing growth of their businesses.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
Question & Answer
1. What is the purpose of the INCubatoredu Pitch Night at Kempsville High School?
The purpose of the INCubatoredu Pitch Night is for five teams of young entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel of experts in a “Shark Tank”-style event.
2. Who are some of the notable figures on the judges’ panel for the event?
Some of the notable figures on the judges’ panel include Gov. Glenn Youngkin, music producer Chad Hugo, CEO Jerry Miller of The Miller Group, and Gilbert Bland, president, and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads.
3. How are the student teams selected to participate in the INCubatoredu Pitch Night?
The student teams are selected based on their development of business ideas throughout the school year under the guidance of mentors. From the initial 14 teams, the strongest five are chosen to participate in the event.
