Summary:
TechCelerator @ Luzerne County held its first pitch showcase, highlighting local innovations.
Participants developed comprehensive business plans over a ten-week program.
Judges included representatives from Microsoft and Pennsylvania's Economic Development.
Innovative pitches included Future-Proof Coaching and BedRez, the grand prize winner.
Each entrepreneur received $500 for their efforts, promoting community support.
A Night of Innovation at the TechCelerator @ Luzerne County
WILKES-BARRE — The inaugural TechCelerator @ Luzerne County pitch showcase and celebration took place at the THINK Center on Wednesday evening. This event marked the conclusion of a ten-week program designed to help local entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.
During the program, participants worked on every aspect of their business plans, including customer development, financials, legal considerations, and goal planning. The culmination of their hard work was presented in pitches to a panel of esteemed judges:
- Jeremy Satterfield from TechSpark Virginia at Microsoft
- Jen Gilburg from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- Kevin O’Boyle from Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services
Celebrating Passion and Aspiration
As tecBRIDGE Executive Director Don Webster stated, “Tonight’s about joy, it’s about aspiration, and it’s about passion.” The evening featured a variety of innovative business ideas, including:
- Future-Proof Coaching: A platform for career transition, presented by Stephanie Gresh.
- Hunting Positivity: A social media site focused on uplifting content, presented by Hunter Wesolowski and Nathan Herman.
- State of Grace: A personalized holistic wellness directory, presented by Jasmyne Morgans.
- Project Headway Co.: An alternative hair styling solutions concept, presented by Charleen Murdock.
- BedRez: A recovery resource for crisis care, presented by James Monahan.
- Vital Health Enterprises: A healthcare initiative for veterans, presented by Angel Diaz Jr..
- Tri-Path Synergies: A client-centered wellness plan, presented by Shaliyah Jones Vitale.
After the presentations, judges provided feedback and deliberated on the winner of the $2,000 grand prize. Satterfield acknowledged the difficulty of their decision, stating, “You did not make this decision easy for the three of us.” Ultimately, BedRez was announced as the winner, with each presenter receiving $500 for their efforts. Satterfield praised all participants, saying, “Each of you connected in a way with your personal stories... All seven of you guys are going to do wonderful.”
James Monahan (center) accepts a $2,000 check for BedRez, surrounded by supporters and judges.
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