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Four Syracuse teams move on the New York State Business Plan Competition this week

Four teams of Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad were recently selected as winners of the CNY Region Business Plan Competition advancing to the next round of the New York State Business Plan Competition finals this week.

The teams and their affiliations are:

  • Many Hands, founder Travis Ghirdharie G’22 of Syracuse University
  • Pathway Prep, co-founders Mauricio Luna ’24 and Alesandra “Sasha” Temerte ’23 of Syracuse University
  • GeekOn- Colgate University
  • CognitionX, founder Sai Krishna Bolla G’23 of Syracuse University
  • Game-On – SUNY Oswego
  • Conformabelt, founder Cherry Kim ’24 of Syracuse University

The CNY regional qualifier was organized by SUNY Oswego.  It was open to any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a Central New York college or university, including Syracuse University, Colgate University, Le Moyne College, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Cortland, Wells College, Cazenovia College, Upstate Medical University, OCC, and CCC.

Student teams will go on to the state competition, organized by the Upstate Capital Association of NY. Learn more about the April 27 NYSBPC here:  https://www.nybpc.org and follow the NYSBPC action here: https://www.facebook.com/NYBPLAN/

Congratulations to the 2023 Panasci Business Plan Competition winners

Assistant Professor Cristiano Bellavitis (left) and Fundwurx founder Ben Ford ’23 (right), grand prize winner

Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad teams, Fundwurx, Tà, and Zeal won the first, second and third place in the campus wide Panasci Business Plan Competition.

$20,000 Grand prize went to Ben Ford ‘23 (Whitman), founder of Fundwurx, a data science driven giving platform that uses state of the art machine learning technology to better connect a younger generation of donors with non-profits. Learn more

Ta founder Motolani Oladitan ’24 and her father, second place winner

Second place award of $7,500 went to Motolani Oladitan ’24 (A&S), founder of Tà, a virtual marketplace connecting African beauty and wellness brands with the diaspora, making it easier for consumers to discover and purchase high-quality, authentic African products.

Oladitan also won the Afropreneurship Challenge, Raymond von Dran iPrize, and Hunter Brooks Watson Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award all this year as an undergraduate.

Assistant Professor Cristiano Bellavitis (left) and Zeal founder Bailey Davis ’23 (right), third place winner

Third place prize of $2,500 was awarded to Bailey Davis ‘23 (Newhouse) after pitching Zeal, a Web3 magazine focusing on fashion, art, and culture. In addition, Davis received the Gilded Social Rising Entrepreneur Award of $5,000 funded by Scott Friedberg ’14.

The Whitman Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Jack Adler ‘23, founder of Out2Win Sports. To date, Adler has built legitimate traction with Out2Win, and has the goal of continuing to build the venture past his days as a college student.

Also receiving a special recognition was Natasha Brao ‘22 G’23 for the Graduate Student Entrepreneurship award. This award is present for exhibiting the most entrepreneurial leadership out of the Graduate class.

Honorable mention to Noah Mechnig-Giordano ’22 G’23, founder of Happy Loose-Leaf Tea and Aidan Mickleburgh ’23 G’23, founder of Intervea.

 Rubin Family Innovation Mentors Noah Mechnig-Giordano ’22 G’23, founder of Happy Loose Leaf Tea (left), Aidan Mickleburgh ’23 G’23, founder of Intervea, Ben Ford ‘23 (Whitman), founder of Fundwurx, and Jack Adler ‘23, founder of Out2Win Sports (right).

Jack Adler ’23 reflects on headlining 2023 Penn State Sports Business Conference

NIL Agencies Panel at 2023 Penn State Sports Business Conference. Jack Adler, CEO of Out2Win Sports (left), Ayden Syal, CEO of MOGL, Doug Fillis, Founder of Accelerate Sports Ventures, and moderator Miles Jordan (right)

Jack Adler ’23 recently returned to Pennsylvania as a panelist at the 2023 Penn State Sports Business Conference to share his knowledge of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and how the industry will help college athletes grow in the future. He described it as, “a fantastic event that brought together a diverse group of sport business professionals and students.”

The Penn State Sports Business Conference provides professionals the opportunity to connect with students pursuing a career in the sports industry. It featured various keynote speakers, including NFL Veteran and Entrepreneur, Brandon Copeland and Mason Champion from Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment. Along with representatives from Vayner Sports, 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Out2Win Sports and more.

“I had the privilege of speaking on the “Name, Image, and Likeness” panel, where I discussed the current trends within the industry alongside three other experts. The panel provided a valuable platform to share my experiences and insights, and I enjoyed engaging with the attendees in a lively discussion,” says Adler.

Adler is a dynamic senior studying Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises and Marketing Management in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. He is the founder and CEO of Out2Win Sports, a creative marketing agency helping college athletes and brands take advantage of NIL. To date, Adler has built legitimate traction with Out2Win, and has the goal of continuing to build the venture past his days as a college student.

He is a Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad entrepreneur in residence and mentor who assist fellow students who are in the process of developing their own ideas for ventures. He has created employment and internship opportunities for Syracuse University students as the company has scaled.

In addition to paneling, his company, Out2Win Sports tabled the event to connect with students seeking recruitment opportunities and representatives from other companies such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Harris & Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, and Wasserman.

The event brought together students, alumni, and professionals in 41 of the 50 states, 13 countries, and 5 of the 7 continents.

Photo credit: @PennStateSBC

Earn academic credit working on your social entrepreneurship in Fall 2023

For students interested in the intersection of social impact and innovation and the use of entrepreneurial thinking to create positive change, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is offering a new course for the Fall 2023 semester on an Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship. The course takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45-5:05pm. 

This is an introductory course in social entrepreneurship and innovation. The course focuses on theoretical, practical, and experiential factors associated with successful social venture initiation. This course is designed for students who are interested in learning how entrepreneurship and organizing can help create social ventures (i.e. – nonprofits, social enterprises) that create positive transformation and sustainable impact across societies and economies. 

Students will learn the requisite theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to develop a feasibility plan that explores starting a new social venture, as well as how to organize and collaborate with others to solve modern day/complex challenges.

The course is taught by professor Azadeh Tajdar, the Cramer Professor of Practice in Community Impact at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Dr. Tajdar has over 15 years of experience in the social innovation and impact  space. 

Dr. Tajdar has previously worked as a founder, mentor and donor for numerous impact-driven organizations around the world. She received her PhD from the Université de Fribourg in Switzerland while conducting research on collective social entrepreneurship. 

For any questions about the course, please contact Dr. Tajdar at atajdar@syr.edu.

This course is an incredible opportunity for students interested in building careers centered around social impact to gain practical, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills and understand the mechanisms of effective change and sustainable impact. 

Story by Claire Howard, Blackstone LaunchPad Global Fellow; photo provided

Introducing Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad Freelance Challenge Friday, April 21

The Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University is pleased to invite all designers, creators, producers, artisans, and small business owners to apply to its first Freelance & Small Business Competition on Friday, April 21st from 12-3pm with $600 in prize funding. 

This competition is specifically designed for students who are building a career or side hustle providing services or creating products. The competition will be judged in two different categories: Freelancing and Small Business. Freelancing includes individuals specializing in services such as graphic design, web development, videography, photography, software development, writing, and any other professional service. Small Business focuses on artisans hoping to sell their artwork, craft, and creations of all forms. 

The application asks students to submit an executive summary of their business (templates found here) with a portfolio or photo examples of their work.

The competition asks students to present a 4 minute pitch of their business, focusing on their previous work and the unique value they bring to their product or service market. While competitors are not required to have an established business before entering in the competition they are expected to show previous work. Competitors will be asked to present a plan for the awarded funds in the case of winning the competition.

Judges will pick winners based on categories of professionalism, targeted market focus, portfolio, creative ability, and unique market value. There will be two winners in the Freelancer category and two winners in the Small Business category, with each winner receiving up to $200!

Applications close for the competition on Friday, April 16th. The application can be submitted here, and further competition information will be forwarded to all applicants. Please visit the LaunchPad on the first floor of Bird Library if you would like mentorship while preparing your executive summary or pitch. 

For any additional information or questions please contact competition directors Sasha Temerte atemerte@syr.edu or Claire Howard clhoward@syr.edu. 

The LaunchPad is the university’s resource center and accelerator for students looking to pursue owning their own business or building a side hustle. We warmly welcome all student freelancers and artisans to enter the Freelance & Small Business Competition for a chance to showcase their talent and receive funding for their future. 

Story by Claire Howard ’23, LaunchPad Global Fellow; photo supplied

2023 Raymond vonDran iPrize and Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award winners

Associate Dean of Syracuse University Libraries, Scott Warren and Bruce Kingma, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Syracuse University School of Information welcoming attendees

Twenty-nine Syracuse student startup teams captured $30,000 in combined funding from this year’s RvD iPrize Competition and Spirit of Excellence Awards sponsored by the iSchool and hosted by the Blackstone LaunchPad. Associate Dean of Syracuse University Libraries, Scott Warren and Bruce Kingma, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Syracuse University School of Information Studies joined in making the awards. The event support innovation and student entrepreneurship which is an excellent reflection of both iSchool dean Von Dran and Hunter Brooks Watson legacies.

iSchool dean Raymond Von Dran, who served from 1995 until his passing in 2007, was a longtime academic entrepreneur and staunch supporter of student innovation.

The Hunter Brooks Watson Memorial Fund, also known as Hunter’s Fund, was founded in honor of Hunter, a young man whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident. The Spirit of Excellence Awards recognize young people working on innovative ideas that can make our lives better.

This year’s iPrize winners included nine student startup teams who won $2,000 each:

Ben Ford ’23 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management), founder of Fundwurx (left), Oliver Raycroft ’25 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) and Adya Parida ’25, co-Founders of Scale Sense, Motolani Oladitan ’24 (College of Arts and Sciences), founder of Ta, Jeremy Shinder ’24 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), founder of Jere Bear Films, LLC, Travis Ghirdharie G’22 (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs), founder of Many Hands, Sai Krishna Bolla G’23 (School of Information Studies), founder of Cognition X, Aidan Mickleburgh ’23 G’23 (College of Engineering and Computer Science and Martin J. Whitman School of Management), founder of Intervea, Kai Patricio G’23 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), founder of Farm Loop , Rob Goldblatt ’23 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management), Paul Sausville and Nicole Byrnes (SUNY-ESF), co-founders of Tree-Spun (right)

This year’s Spirit of Excellence Awardees were four student entrepreneurs who won $2,500 each:

Rabia Razzaq G’23 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) (left), Kai Patricio G’23 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), Priscilla Cruz ’24 (School of Information Studies), and Peyton Sefick, members of Re-mend team, Motolani Oladitan ’24 (College of Arts and Sciences), founder of Ta, Jeremy Shinder ’24 (VPA), Founder of Jere Bear Films, LLC, Ethan Tyo ’17 G’22 (David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamic), AlterNative Project and cookbook author (right)

We’re so incredibly thankful to Jack Rose, our Hunter Brooks Watson Scholar, volunteers Jack Ramza, Claire Howard, and Ciana Steller, and a stellar group of judges for their contributions to this event.

Hunter Brooks Watson Judge Damaris “Koi” Munuya speaking with student entrepreneurs
Judges Jaime Banks (left), Emad Rahim, Derek LaClair, and Herb Dwyer (right)

Blackstone LaunchPad to host new Lunch&Learn series starting March 8

Justin Gluska ’23 (College of Engineering and Computer Science), LaunchPad digital innovation team specialist, hosted a Lunch&Learn about researching, creating, and promoting engaging content with ChatGPT on Wednesday, February 8.

Interested in trying your hand at graphic design? Always wanted to publish your writing, but not sure how? Struggling to figure out how your business’s tax forms should be filled out? 

Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University is pleased to announce its new Lunch & Learn workshop series focused on providing students with tangible skills for their career, whether in starting their own business or working for another company. This series, taught by students in the LaunchPad community is a casual, conversational hour for students to share their expertise and skill sets with each other over a provided lunch. 

The series kicks off on March 8th at 12pm with a session on Athlete Marketing hosted by Jack Adler ’23, studying in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Adler is the Founder and CEO of Out2Win Sports, a company which creates content partnerships between athletes and brands. As CEO, he’s partnered athletes with brands such as NBC Sports, Carhartt, and Reebok, and raised over $20,000 in 18 months. In his Lunch and Learn on March 8th, Adler will be sharing his experience and advice for marketing in athletics and building brand partnerships. 

Upcoming Lunch and Learn topics include: 

·      March 24th at 10am, Ethan Tyo ’17, G’22 will host a session on civic engagement and social entrepreneurship with faculty from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Tyo is the founder of the AlterNative Project, which promotes widespread knowledge about Indigenous practices and culture across communities. On the 24th, he’ll explore how he turned cultural installation into a social venture by cultivating a community-oriented network of stakeholders to further developments and opportunities around food sovereignty. 

·      March 29th at 12pm, Cuse Blockchain Vice President Tom Montforte ’23 will be speaking on how Blockchain is currently disrupting industries, as well as providing a general overview on cryptocurrencies and their integration in various industries.  

·      April 5th at 12pm, LaunchPad Innovation Mentor Jack Ramza ’22, G ’23 will discuss fiscal literacy and accounting practices for business owners. With undergraduate expertise in advertising and accounting, and experience in venture founding; Ramza will guide those interested in starting their own business through the often-complicated process of properly caring for business’s finances and speaking the language of business: accounting. 

·      April 12nd at 12pm, LaunchPad Lead Designer Natasha Brao ’22, G‘23 will be presenting on graphic design, freelancing, and branding. Brao, who earned her B.F.A. in Communications Design from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is a self-made entrepreneur with expertise in branding oneself and one’s business. She is currently earning her Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises in Whitman. 

·      April 19th at 1pm, LaunchPad Global Fellow Kelly Davis ’23 will host a session on entrepreneurship as life skills. Davis is the Founder and CEO of Woman-ly, an online platform dedicated to supporting and creating community for women in male-dominated fields. As an established entrepreneur herself, Davis is passionate about utilizing skills of innovation and fearlessness not just in entrepreneurship but in all aspects of life. Davis, who currently works as an intern for MSNBC, will share her experience and advice for intrapreneurship in any company and innovative thinking in day-to-day life. 

·      April 26th at 12pm, LaunchPad Innovation Mentor Ben Ford ’23 will speak on raising capital and finding investors for your business. Ford is the Founder and CEO of FundWurx, a  platform which links charitable organizations and funding needs to individual givers. Well-versed in the hunt for investors and funding sources to launch a startup into a company, Ford will provide insight and advice for pursuing investment. 

Story by Claire Howard, Blackstone LaunchPad Global Fellow; photo supplied  

Motolani Oladitan ‘24 wins Afropreneurship “Fast Pitch” Challenge

Host, Ud Joseph (left) and panelist Brandon Henry, Adore Ellis, Zebedayo Masongo, and Jordan Pierre (right)

Students and young alumni from across the campus and community shared how being entrepreneurs has helped them knock down personal and professional goals. Afropreneurship, a celebration of black entrepreneurs during Black History Month, was organized by Todd B. Rubin Diversity and Inclusion Scholar, Ud Joseph, and sponsored by the LaunchPad.

Ud Joseph guided panelists that included Brandon Henry ’24 (Maxwell), Adore Ellis ’23 (VPA), Jordan Pierre ’23 (Whitman), and Zebedayo Masongo ’23 (School of Law), Syracuse University Alumni Lisa Newcomb, CEO of Thrive in Healing, and LaunchPad Alum Damaris (Koi) Munyua G’22 (Whitman), and community entrepreneur Eli Smith, CEO of So Gone Trash Removal and Eli Smith Contractors — through a dialogue about what Afropreneurs need to succeed.

The panelists explored how generations have defined success, how it is evolving, and where startups can find resources and build networks to succeed. They also discussed why it is vital to help develop businesses in the Black community, and the importance of civic participation.

Motolani Oladitan receives $500 fast pitch challenge award surrounded by other participants and judges

Following the panel presentation, 10 teams presented ideas to solve challenges on campus and in the community. The winner of the $500 Pitch Challenge was Motolani Oladitan for her venture, Ta, a virtual marketplace connecting African beauty and wellness brands with the diaspora, making it easier for consumers to discover and purchase high-quality, authentic African products. Learn more

Attendees listened to panelist, Lisa Newcomb, CEO of Thrive in Healing and Eli Smith, CEO of So Gone Trash Removal and Eli Smith Contractors

Tim Geannopulos inspires the next generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs

Doctor of law and institutional trading technology executive Tim Geannopulos visited Syracuse University’s Blackstone LaunchPad at SU Libraries on January 30, 2023

Tim Geannopulos is no stranger to entrepreneurship and taking risk. He originally joined Trading Technologies (TT) in 1999 and left in 2014 to launch technology firm Neurensic in Chicago. He left the firm, which was focused on compliance and operations software for firms in the financial industry, in 2016.

Geannopulos held the position of Executive Vice President and Head of Sales for more than 15 years before becoming Chairman and CEO. Indeed, the financial technology veteran shared that story, and lessons from more than 20 years in the fields of finance, investment, and software, at the Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad to student entrepreneurs.

He joined an intimate roundtable that included Aidan Mickleburgh ’22 G’23 (College of Engineering and Computer Science and an MBA from the Whitman), Justin Gluska ’23 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) of The ChatGPT Promptbook, Brandon Henry ‘24 (Maxwell School of Citizenship of Public Affairs) of Beyond the Box, Ud Joseph ‘25 (iSchool), Ryan Joaquin Sylvester ’25 (College of Arts and Sciences) and more.

“Find your X-men power at the intersection of what you’re doing and your passion,” said Geannopulos.

Geannopulos provided inspiration to the student entrepreneurs attending the event and shared future opportunities to stay connected. As Chairman and CEO his responsibilities include managing key partner transactions and guide TT through the next chapter of growth and expansion. The role he is most proud of is father to his children, one of which is a student at Syracuse University.

Trading Technologies (TT) creates professional trading software infrastructure and data solutions for a wide variety of users, including proprietary traders, brokers, money managers, CTAs, hedge funds, commercial hedgers and risk managers. In addition to providing access to the world’s major international exchanges and liquidity venues via its TT® trading platform, TT offers domain-specific technology for cryptocurrency trading and machine-learning tools for trade surveillance.

The event was organized by Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad at SU Libraries in partnership with Advancement and External Affairs (AEA).

Source: Trading Technologies

Celebrate Black History Month at Afropreneurship Fri, Feb 24 at Bird Library

Join Syracuse University’s Blackstone LaunchPad on Friday, February 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, first floor of Bird Library, for Afropreneurship, a celebration of black entrepreneurs. Register now

The event will include panel discussions. an open pitch competition, and a networking reception. It is being organized by Todd B. Rubin Diversity and Inclusion Scholar, Ud Joseph ’25 (iSchool), along with Brandon Henry ’24 (Maxwell), Adore Ellis ’23 (VPA), Jordan Pierre ’23 (Whitman), and Zebedayo Masongo ’23 (School of Law).

It will feature entrepreneurs such as Eli Smith, CEO of So Gone Trash Removal and Eli Smith Contractors, Lisa Newcomb, CEO of Thrive in Healing, and LaunchPad Alum Damaris (Koi) Munyua G’22 (Whitman).

A “Fast Pitch Challenge” will offer a $500 first prize for a creative and realistic solution to solve a problem in our community.  The program will be moderated by Ud Joseph, and will showcase a number of Syracuse campus and community black entrepreneurs who are launching ventures.

A highlight of the program will be a feature from a rockstar LaunchPad Alum, Kelsey Davis. It will conclude with a networking reception. All are welcome to attend and commemorate Black History Month at this second annual event.

Register now