Colorado Mesa University recently hosted its 17th annual Entrepreneurship Day (E-Day), bringing together local entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners to showcase the talent and ideas of the university’s business students.
The event featured an elevator pitch competition in which three student teams presented their business ideas, and participants voted for the best business plan. The winners received cash prizes to support their business ventures.
This year’s three business ideas were Explore U Travel Agency, Fuel Up — Smart Meals Solutions, and GearGuard.
Explore U Travel Agency offers a subscription service for students who want to travel more affordably while learning about the world and themselves.
Fuel Up — Smart Meals Solutions is a student meal service that provides healthier, less expensive meals made with local produce, meat, and other ingredients.
GearGuard makes gear stands that attach to your car and can be used for sports in all seasons to hold skis and mountain bikes.
E-Day’s keynote speaker, Phillips Armstrong Jr., has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, which is the focus area of ​​this year’s event.
He is the CEO and founder of Destination Hospitality Group, which includes notable restaurants throughout Colorado.
Armstrong’s speech, titled “Hospitality is Our Destination,” delved into his experience in the hospitality field and the importance of maintaining relationships in a digital world.
“We need less media and more social,” Armstrong said.
He also discussed making his customers feel special and important skills for entrepreneurs and those seeking a career in the hospitality industry to be successful in their future business endeavors.
