entrepreneurship
The Power of Pitching
On Oct. 24 at the DI Hub, LaunchNET hosted its annual Elevator Pitch Competition, where 25 students pitched their venture ideas within a 90-second time limit and competed to win funding from a $3,000 prize pool.
![destination dream event](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/JH1.jpg?VersionId=tmb9eKW1GqwJ13VdbHqyRhrbuT9GpAjp&itok=Kiw9jGxA)
LaunchNET Supports: Destination Dream
"LaunchNET was always there to assist with my business goals while navigating the ups and downs of being a college student." - Jada Hobson, Founder of Destination Dream
![brad smith class visit](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/BS1.jpeg?VersionId=UKYllT88DoFggty_jTDu.uX8teH_Gfxy&itok=dMY0Txxg)
LaunchNET Supports: Bradley Smith
We began working with as he was building up what is now , a financial education platform for students that gamifies the learning experience. He most recently launched the Wayz to Wealth board game to support this mission — we've already snagged two copies for the office and have had a blast engaging visiting high school students with it.
As a LaunchNET client, Brad has pitched at the 's ideaLabs competition, received funding via our Morgan Startup Grants, and participated in our end of semester Small Business Showcase.
![macara at bounce](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/MH1.jpeg?VersionId=nJrSWLoH5OVyw8Y3IyUQUMrUc90awwOe&h=f7a935ba&itok=SW_ScHY8)
LaunchNET Supports: Macara Hitchcock
Two years ago began working with LaunchNET through the Black Women Bosses program for Aila Aura Fitness and Wellness, a transformative hybrid fitness community that combines the practice of yoga with the unique thrill of aerial yoga/hammock to provide students with a holistic journey toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Since then she has continued to participate in our grant opportunities and cohorts and has even taken things a step further by getting involved with the Akron startup community at through MORTAR and Life's a Pitch!
![Spring 2024 Small Business Showcase Spring 2024 Small Business Showcase](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/UCM_4560.jpg?VersionId=ySdop1rGkaABndl0__hjHkZWIvWp1P2g&itok=kNLIO27O)
IN A FLASH: Small Businesses Showcased!
All semester, student entrepreneurs look forward to the Spring Small Business Showcase, from LaunchNET Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹.
Pitching
![LaunchNET's February Pitch and Ponder event. LaunchNET's February Pitch and Ponder event.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20241502_KW_Pitch%26amp%3BPonder%20event_DiHub-5.jpg?VersionId=cY9T40v24OmgXVRP0A7WqkfJPxXWhZph&itok=X70FvHr9)
IN A FLASH: Perfecting Their Pitches
LaunchNET Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ hosts special events for student entrepreneurs to network, practice business pitches and share ideas with their peers.
LaunchNET's New Assistant Director
Fall 2023 Art Without Limits
![Brazilian educators at Cleveland sign Brazilian educators at Cleveland sign](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Unknown_21.jpeg?VersionId=BTllQ2pE5Tf2blcHuWGhMVtwxUWQW3zj&itok=BoCXXqPT)
Working in Kent to Bring Innovation to Students in Brazil
Educators from Brazil visited Northeast Ohio institutions for inspirations in innovative teaching.