ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s sink or swim for the 27 students at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship.
“I was really nervous, but I think we were ready,” said Grady Bastianello, CEO of Paupuro.
Twenty-five entrepreneurs competed in a “Shark Tank” style in front of a panel of local business representatives.
“My business is Study Stylez,” said Kendall Jones, CEO of StudyStylez. “This is an online test that analyzes your results and provides a report on how best to study.”
“It’s called ‘Paw Pro,’ ” Bastianello said. “We sell collars with cameras.”
“We’re creating a mirror that allows online shoppers from home to visually try on clothes to check size and color,” said Alexa Roeser, CEO of Reflect. .
Middle and high school students ages 11 to 18 from the Rochester area enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program (YEA) and took to the stage hoping to wow the crowd. Only three students will advance to the national competition to compete for university scholarships.
“We see the potential in our young students, equip them with an entrepreneurial spirit, and prove to them that with a good plan, a well-thought-out plan, determination and energy, anything is possible. We’re very excited about what we can do,” said Gail Jagel of the Young Entrepreneur Academy.
Some students have always found that they have a passion for the business world.
“I’ve always had great respect for entrepreneurs in general and people in business,” Jones said. “I think those guys who started businesses from scratch and became millionaires are really inspirational in a lot of ways. That was the best path for me and just felt right.”
On the other hand, some people find their calling over time.
“This is a first,” Loser said. “I think the hardest thing is patience, but if you have that, you can do anything.”
Some students were able to collaborate with mentors and experts to bring their ideas to life.
“It was so exciting to me that I just saw it recently, and just being able to see it in person and not on paper is amazing,” Loser said.
“It was stressful for me, but it’s OK because we’re here and we’re actually doing exactly what we need to do,” said Brianna Williams, CEO of Brilliant Repairs. said. “I couldn’t wait to work on it. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.”
And along the way, students develop confidence as they learn that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, not just business.
“Whether you’re in high school and want to start a new club, or you want to go to your college campus and start a business there, we teach you the process, the magic formula. It’s transformative,” Jagel said.
