The Nicholls State University Bayou Region Incubator and Chevron awarded over $66,000 in cash and prizes during its Pitch Competition on April 18.
The competition featured two rounds – Stage 1 for entrepreneurs in the idea phase of business development and Stage 2 for entrepreneurs who already have an established business with active revenue. Each pitch contestant was given two minutes to set up, five minutes to deliver their pitch and three minutes for judges’ questions.
The judges for the night included:
- Mrs. Leah Brown, corporate affairs representative, Chevron
- Mr. Hugh Caffery, CEO, Valentine Chemical
- Mr. Brandon Keller, public affairs manager, Mosaic
- Mr. Cody Blanchard, founder, White Car; team member, Premier Companies
- Ms. Susanna Lamers, CEO, BioInfoExperts
- Mr. John Hebert, senior vice president of commercial lending, Synergy Bank
- Mr. Daryl Roy, CEO/co-founder of 3D Media; former Pitch Competition winner
- Mr. Michael Brown, managing partner of Thibodaux’s Raising Canes
Awards included business cash and a voucher for continued startup business support at the BRI, including trainings, workshops, business printing, office space and meeting rooms. Stage 1 winners included:
- 1st place: Sweet Kravings Donuts – $8,000 in cash and a $1,500 BRI voucher for CEO Ms. Alycia Johnson and teammates Gaby Ruffin and Angela Danos
- 2nd place: Pop 7 – $5,000 in cash and a $1,500 BRI voucher for owners Ms. Ocean and her siblings, along with her parents Mr. Jacob and Emily Lirette
- 3rd place: Buds and Blossoms Flower Farm – $2,000 in cash and a $1,500 BRI voucher for owners, horticulturists and florists Mr. Blyght and Ms. Suzanne Wunstell
Stage 2 winners included:
- 1st place: Folse Alarm Fire Co. – $10,000 in cash and a $6,300 BRI voucher for founder and CEO Mr. Bart Folse and his teammate Louis Tarone
- 2nd place: Spoonbill Coffee Roasters – $8,000 in cash and a $3,300 BRI voucher for founder Ms. Elizabeth Cotter
- 3rd place: Brush A Blowdry Bar – $5,000 in cash and a $3,300 BRI voucher for owners Ms. Sara Parson and Mr. Jeff Lindley
- 4th place: Cajun Boots Farm – $2,000 in cash and a $1,500 BRI voucher for owner Ms. Tonilynn Brown
- 5th place: Bremly Beauty – $1,000 in cash and a $1,500 BRI voucher for co-owners Ms. Emily Lirette and Ms. Bree D’errico
- 6th place: HaulR – $500 in cash and a $1,500 BRI voucher for founder and CEO Mr. Matt Schultheis
The purpose of the BRI is to provide training, services, mentorships, networking and other support to existing or aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. The incubator’s objectives include enhancing resiliency in a post-COVID-19 environment by diversifying the local economy and developing strategies for businesses to adapt and respond to new economic trends and unexpected challenges. For more information, visit bayouregionincubator.org.