The 2025 Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (EBA) Pitch Night, also known as Startup Success at EBA Pitch Night, was a sold-out event held at Kempsville High School that showcased innovative business concepts from seven finalist teams. The event was judged by a distinguished panel including Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and local entrepreneur Bruce Thompson. The winning startups included Snap & Seal, Buss Buddy, and Surfside Sprayer, which were awarded with funding for their eco-friendly storage bag, innovative bus tub, and portable sprayer respectively. The Startup Success at EBA Pitch Night continues to foster real-world business skills and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
2025 Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (EBA) Pitch Night
The 2025 Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (EBA) Pitch Night, also known as Startup Success at EBA Pitch Night, at Kempsville High School once again delivered a sold-out evening of innovation, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit. Seven finalist teams, selected from an original pool of 18, took the stage to present their business concepts to a distinguished panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience.
Event Highlights
Startup Success at EBA Pitch Night was presided over by renowned local entrepreneur Bruce Thompson, with a judging panel that included Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin; Monique Adams, Former Executive Director of 757 Angels; Gilbert T. Bland, President and CEO of The Urban League of Hampton Roads; Dr. Kevin Bonner, Internationally recognized Orthopedic Innovator; and Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp.
Startup Funding Winners
- Snap & Seal – Awarded $10,000 for their eco-friendly, reusable silicone storage bag aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste.
- Buss Buddy – Awarded $2,000 for their innovative dual-layered bus tub designed to streamline restaurant operations with a performance-based additional $12,000 available if they meet objectives.
- Surfside Sprayer – Awarded $7,500 for their portable sprayer that connects to a cooler, providing convenience for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers.
Impact of EBA Pitch Night
The EBA Pitch Night continues to provide a transformative experience for students, fostering real-world business skills and encouraging the next generation of innovators.
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