Belmont University awards thousands of dollars to student entrepreneurs
It was part of the Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship's Venture Competition.
Belmont University’s Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship hosts various events each semester including workshops, mentorship, and competitions to support students at every stage of the entrepreneurial process.
Recently, the Cone Center’s Venture Competition allowed student entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas in a shark-tank-style contest for the chance to win money and take their businesses to the next level.
The competition concluded with the following winners:
- Jesse Hartland, Founder of Plasticrete, won the 1st place award of $5,000;
- Sabrina Oostburg, Founder of NIL Roadmap, won the 2nd place award of $2,000;
- Leo Dunlevy, Founder of Dunlevy Productions, won the 3rd place award of $1,000; and
- Kayla Kirkland, Founder of The Far Out, won $250 for People’s Choice Award.
In addition to the top awards, the Cone Center granted all participants $500 each, acknowledging their dedication and active involvement in various competitions and workshops throughout the year.
A distinguished group of alumni judges evaluated each six-minute pitch. The judges included two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (Megan Feeman and Drew Lamb), Digital Content Creation Adjunct Clark Buckner, and recent graduate Jess Finny. The Co-Founder of Chechi’s Chai, Finny earned more than $10,000 for her business venture through Cone Center programming while she was a student.
“Walking into the room, the same judges who once evaluated me welcomed me with encouragement, reminding me that we all start somewhere,” Finny shared. “Sitting on the other side of the table, I saw firsthand how much passion and potential these student entrepreneurs have. It was inspiring and made me grateful I wasn’t up against them.”
Cash prizes are just one part of the Cone Center’s deep commitment to supporting student ventures. Students connect with mentors through the entrepreneurs-in-residence program, bounce ideas off their peers at brainstorming sessions, and develop their confidence along the way as they earn degrees in various fields of study.
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