Final pitches in the annual SUNY Fredonia Student Business Competition will be delivered Friday, Dec. 13.
The four finalists slated to make presentations at Williams Center Room S204, beginning at 11 a.m., are: Zachary Dean, a senior majoring in Adolescence Education: Social Studies and History, from Fredonia, NY; Noah Meyer, a sophomore majoring in Music with a concentration in Jazz and Percussion, from East Amherst, NY; Lassana Sillah, a junior majoring in Computer Science, with a minor in Business Administration, the Bronx, NY; and Miles Calloway, a senior majoring in Computer Science, from Eden, NY.
The respective businesses of the students behind them are:
- Shorewood Commerce (Dean) creates a working replica of the first U.S. coin press from 1792, allowing customers to make realistic coins from modeling clay. The model kit will be marketed to collectors, history enthusiasts, educators and tourists, and sold through wholesalers, retail stores and online.
- Sonora Records (Meyer) is focused on elevating artists from marginalized communities in Hispanic urban communities in the U.S. and Latin America. It aims to empower raw, authentic talent and bridge U.S. Latin and homeland Latin culture, showcasing diverse music that tells powerful stories.
- Concrete Made (Sillah) is a New York City-based brand inspired by Tupac Shakur's poem "The Rose That Grew from Concrete." Its clothing symbolizes resilience, growth and transformation and connecting with individuals who embrace challenges. Rooted in urban culture, the apparel reflects authenticity and empowerment. It's not just fashion – it's a lifestyle that inspires people to rise above obstacles and thrive.
- Fredonia Makerspace (Calloway) will provide access to advanced manufacturing tools and an online service for design tools and an online service for design that’s currently unavailable locally. It will serve students, designers, artists, hobbyists and small businesses with affordable tool access, materials and project guidance.
It is the 10th year of the competition sponsored by the School of Business and the Center for Innovation and Economic Development.
The finals presentation program is free and open to the public. Lunch will also be furnished. Those interested in attending should register online.
The competition is designed to help student entrepreneurs present business ideas, develop proposals, receive guidance from experienced business mentors and launch their businesses. Their pitches will be based on the Business Model Canvas (BMC) that includes value proposition, customer segments, channels and revenue streams.
