Columbus, in. — Five finalists from six counties in Southeastern Indiana recently presented their ideas for a chance at winning $2,750 as part of the next-generation youth entrepreneurship initiative known as the Maverick Challenge.
The Maverick Challenge program is designed to give high school students hands-on experience in the practice of entrepreneurship. Counties who participated in the regional contest this year included Bartholomew, Scott, Jennings, Jackson, Franklin, and Ripley.
This year’s winners presented three unique ideas. Treyton Brown and Sam Everett, of Scott County, won $1,500 for their company, P.E.F.F. Co. Koltan Hauersperger and Brooks Wathen, of Jennings County, won $1,000, for their company, Kolt Electronic Solutions. Lastly, Alex Bamonte of Franklin/Ripley County, was awarded $250 for her company, Growing Memories.
Students throughout the Maverick Challenge have access to workshops and online tools needed to take their idea from a concept and develop it into a business pitch! Students submit these pitches and plans, which then go through multiple rounds of judging at both the county and regional level.
Finalists presented their ideas to a panel of regional judges consisting of entrepreneurs, service providers, educational representatives, and other community leaders. This year, the regional judging took place at the Holiday Inn Express in Seymour, IN.
2018-2019 Maverick Challenge Winners:
First Place – P.E.F.F. Co-Treyton Brown and Sam Everett- Scott County Business Idea: Created a quality farm animal feed, using biodegradable burlap bags, with premium quality ingredients while lower the cost to the consumers and farmers.
Second Place – Kolt Electronic- Koltan Hauersperger and Brooks Wathen- Jennings County Business Idea: Created a system called “PLSS” (Power Line Safety System) to help regulate the voltage in power lines and stop the flow if there is a drop. Helping to reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with power line malfunction.
Honorable Mention- Growing Memories- Alex Bamonte- Franklin/Ripley County Business Idea: Created a business for those looking for alternatives to traditional burial services when a loved one dies. Custom memory vessels that also allow their loved ones and pets to be remembered.
Finalists:
TempSense- Emils Vigants, Krista Blackburn, Kiersten MeisterBartholomew County, Hauser High School Business Idea: Created a product and service that will help kids get interested in computer science.
The Blue Rose Project- Katie Rohlfing- Jackson County, Brownstown High School Business Idea: Created a non-profit mobile organization that helps young girls improve self-esteem, image, and self-worth.
