While entrepreneurs are sometimes called the “engine” of the economy and investors are called the “wheels” of the economy, what about all the individuals and firms that provide sage advice and services to facilitate and help navigate the business landscape for entrepreneurs – might they be the “transmission”? Take a “ride” in this panel discussion session with those experts that provide critical business structure, tax, legal, financial, operational, marketing, and other advice to move entrepreneurs all the way from pre-formation through exit.
- Ed Hart | Director of the Center for Family-Owned Businesses, First Bank
- Justin G. Sanders, Esq.| Intellectual Property Attorney, Master Key IP, LLP
- Lizzy Okoro | Startup Advisor, Pasadena City College SBDC
- Richard VerWayne | Certified Mentor, SCORE Orange County
- Sylvia Gutierrez | Economic Development Specialist, Small Business Administration
Moderated by George W. Wright, Dean of Concordia University Irvine School of Business and Economics
Join us as we celebrate Southern California student entrepreneurs in a fast pitch! Each team will have 90 seconds to pitch and receive expert feedback, coaching, and win a prize package of cash and crucial in-kind business support services to launch and grow their ventures.
- Aaron Klein | Lynx Enterprise
- Diana Matamoros | The Latina Upskill Project
- Johnnell Bragg | Planit Ponics
- Rachel Littell | Gotta Go Foods LLC
- Seth Sliger | Recycle Better
Contestants will have the opportunity to win these prizes:
- $1,000 cash prize
- $5,000 incubator residency
- $4,500 marketing consultation package
- $1,000 IP consultation package
Judges:
- Justin G. Sanders, Esq. | Master Key IP, LLP
- Kevin Grant | King Real Estate Group
- Lauryn N. Nwankpa | Managing Director, Brand Citizens
- Scott Fox | CEO, Startup Council of Orange County
- PledgeLA
Moderated by Elianne Rodriguez, Director of LEEAF Accelerator & Fellowship, California State University, Los Angeles
