Natasha Zoe with JarHead Kitchens was the first place winner of this year’s Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition hosted by the West Virginia Hive last night at Concord University. Five entrepreneurs pitched their proactive business strategies to a live audience and a panel of expert judges. Zoe impressed the judges with a strong business concept and a confident presentation that clearly demonstrated the vision and momentum behind her growing company.
Winners and awards secured included:
- Alexander Durand – Mountain Table (Greenbrier County)
- Brian Dennis – Fayetteville Series (Fayette County)
- Elizabeth Love – NRG Video (Fayette County)
- Isaiah Beckett – 10 House Music (Logan County)
- Natasha Zoe – JarHead Kitchen (Monroe County)
- First Place – $3,500 Cash, $6,500 Technical Assistance
- Second Place – $1,500 Cash, $3,500 Technical Assistance
- Honorable Mention (3 Prizes) – $500 Cash, $1,250
Technical Assistance
Devon Fitzgerald, coordinator of the event and regional business advisor at the WV Hive, said more than $20,000 in cash prizes and technical assistance were shared among the five business finalists. Brian Dennis with Fayetteville Series earned second place with a strong and compelling pitch that resonated with both the judges and the audience. Isaiah Beckett from Logan County, was chosen as the Audience Favorite and picked up another $250.
Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, which oversees the administration of the WV Hive, said the Pitch Southern WV Business Idea Competition has grown in popularity and number of entries over the years, and the $20,000 in prize money and technical assistance is the most ever offered.
“We would like to thank our host – Concord University with a special thanks to Dr. Susan Williams – and all of our sponsors for contributing to small business development throughout Southern West Virginia,” said Belcher.
“Concord University, host of this year’s Pitch Southern West Virginia competition, is proud to support the WV Hive’s mission to spark economic growth in our region through entrepreneurship,” said Concord University President Bethany Meighen. “As leaders in business education, Concord prepares students to become leaders in industry. Opportunities like the Hive’s pitch competition complement that education by encouraging their creativity and innovation while providing an additional network of support and mentorship. I’m grateful for the experiential learning opportunity for all participants, as well as the exciting new businesses that will take root in our region because of the Hive’s investment.”
Other sponsors of the competition included:
Platinum Sponsors – New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, United Bank
Silver Sponsor – City National Bank
Bronze Sponsors – Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, Wyoming County Economic Development Authority
In-Kind Sponsors – Concord University (venue), Go Duck Media (platinum), XAPP Design, Inc. (platinum), Jaensson Law (gold), Asher Agency (silver)
All cash and in-kind services awards must be used to further the business idea presented.
Expert judges who heard the pitches, posed questions of the entrepreneurs, and made award decisions included:
- Brianna Duckworth-Kazner, Owner/CEO at Go Duck Media,
- Connor Golden, Business Banking Portfolio Manager at United Bank,
- Monika Jaensson, Owner/CEO at Jaensson Law, LLC,
- Sean O’Kelly, CEO/President at XAPP Design Inc.
Entries were open to residents and businesses located in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties and university students.
The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com.