AACC awards $50,000

Four student entrepreneurs were awarded $10,000 each in seed money during Anne Arundel Community College’s annual Business Pitch Competition, held virtually April 29. The other five finalists received amounts between $1,000 and $5,000.

“Our competition provides not only seed funds for our budding entrepreneurs, but an opportunity for them to hone their pitch and gain confidence as they grow their business and seek additional customers and funding,” Stacy Korbelak, assistant dean for business, economics and entrepreneurial studies, said in a statement released by the college.

The finalists gave a two-minute live pitch and addressed questions from a panel of judges during the event. They also provided a business plan and a three-year financial projection in their application.

Judges included local business leaders, former AACC students and faculty, government officials, and a representative from the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation.

The event’s more than 100 attendees voted for the $500 fan favorite award, which went to Andrew Parr for his idea of a pop-up beer garden in Annapolis.

The finalists and their award amounts:

„ Annapolis Social League, Jeremiah Batucan: $10,000

„ Baked + Brunched Bakery, Nakia Cheeks: $10,000

„ Chow, Jordan Foley: $2,000

„ Clover Run Riding, Jessica Flaherty: $5,000

„ Coach Alex Ray, Alex Ray: $1,000

„ Müted Biergarten, Andrew Parr: $1,000

„ Powered Puff Protection, Madisyn Bird: $1,000

„ Prepared4Tech, LaToya Staten: $10,000

„ RacalRx, Kirk Rookwood: $10,000 You can watch a recording of the competition on AACC’s YouTube channel.