ATHENS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Natasha Zoe of JarHead Kitchens took first place in the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition, hosted by the West Virginia Hive at Concord University on Thursday night.
Five entrepreneurs presented their business strategies to a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
Zoe impressed the judges with a strong business concept and a confident presentation that clearly demonstrated the vision and momentum behind her growing company.
Awards for the competition included:
- First Place: Natasha Zoe, JarHead Kitchens – $3,500 cash, $6,500 technical assistance
- Second Place: Brian Dennis, Fayetteville Series – $1,500 cash, $3,500 technical assistance
- Honorable Mention (three prizes): Alexander Durand, Mountain Table; Elizabeth Love, NRG Video; Isaiah Beckett, 10 House Music – $500 cash, $1,250 technical assistance each
Devon Fitzgerald, event coordinator and regional business advisor at WV Hive, said more than $20,000 in cash prizes and technical assistance were distributed among the finalists.
Brian Dennis earned second place with a pitch that “resonated with both the judges and the audience.” Isaiah Beckett was chosen as the Audience Favorite and received an additional $250.
Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, which oversees the WV Hive, said the competition has grown in both popularity and entries over the years, with the $20,000 in prizes being the most ever offered.
“We would like to thank our host – Concord University with a special thanks to Dr. Susan Williams – and all of our sponsors for contributing to small business development throughout Southern West Virginia,” Belcher said.
“Concord University, host of this year’s Pitch Southern West Virginia competition, is proud to support the WV Hive’s mission to spark economic growth in our region through entrepreneurship,” said Concord University President Bethany Meighen.
“As leaders in business education, Concord prepares students to become leaders in industry. Opportunities like the Hive’s pitch competition complement that education by encouraging their creativity and innovation while providing an additional network of support and mentorship. I’m grateful for the experiential learning opportunity for all participants, as well as the exciting new businesses that will take root in our region because of the Hive’s investment.”
All cash and in-kind service awards must be used to further the business idea presented.
Expert judges included Brianna Duckworth-Kazner, owner/CEO at Go Duck Media; Connor Golden, Business Banking Portfolio Manager at United Bank; Monika Jaensson, owner/CEO at Jaensson Law, LLC; and Sean O’Kelly, CEO/President at XAPP Design Inc.
Entries were open to residents and businesses in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan, and Mingo Counties, as well as university students.
