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Business Plan Competition Propels Student Entrepreneurs

By Sue McMurray

Wearable products, traumatic brain injury solutions, and apps customizing landscaping, health, and auto services were the top business ventures recognized at WSU’s 22nd annual Business Plan Competition Thursday, April 24.

WSU College League team Wearable Aromas won the $15,000 grand prize.

Wearable Aromas, created by Carson College of Business students Madeline June (MJ) Kunkle and James Harrison, is a business concept for a solid, wax-based perfume concealed in a wearable locket designed for on-the-go, mess-free application.

The WSU Center for Entrepreneurship (CfE) hosted the competition, where 146 venture teams from WSU, other universities, and Washington state high schools competed in three different leagues, vying for cash and in-kind prizes totaling more than $61,000.

Business ideas included a turnkey automation service for mobile car detailers and a 3D fitment visualizer for precise wheel, tire and suspension fitting. Other ideas included personal and health care technologies, livestock monitoring technology, sustainable clothing, plastic waste recycling and apps for virtual landscaping and a digital wine community.

Teams were evaluated on presentation, solving a customer problem, value proposition, market opportunity, competitive advantages, go-to-market strategy, financials and investment analysis. The teams were also evaluated on the merit of their ideas and business plans.

The top five teams of the WSU College League, comprised entirely of WSU students, and the top four teams in the Foster Garvey Open and the High School leagues, advanced to the in-person finals on the WSU Pullman campus.

An awards banquet immediately following the final presentations, where teams participated in a trade show to share more about their innovations.

Emmy award-winning TV journalist and WSU alumna Nikki Torres (’16) was master of ceremonies for the banquet. Jeff Kearl, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, delivered a keynote address on the mindset and lessons that shape successful entrepreneurs.

Sponsors included Foster Garvey, Believe in Me, Valicoff Fruit Company, Dave Divine (’00), Lee & Hayes, CougsFirst!, Submittable, Dave (’76) and Deborah (’76) Grant, Mark Wuotila (’69), Carson College of Business Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Spokane Angel Alliance and WSU Center for Entrepreneurship.

The Winning Teams Are:

WSU College League:

  1. Wearable Aromas – $15,000
    Wearable Aromas makes a solid wax-based perfume locket necklace designed for on-the-go, mess-free application.
  2. Kerat AI – $10,000
    Kerat AI is a personalized marketplace for consumers to monitor their hair’s health and find the best products for their unique hair type.
  3. Rainmaker Solutions – $7,000
    Rainmaker Solutions is an AI-powered app allowing mobile car detailers to automate marketing, sales, operations, lead generation, client retention and reviews.
  4. Driveway Pit Stop — Mobile Mechanic – $4,000
    Driveway Pit Stop — Mobile Mechanic is a mobile oil changing service that brings convenience to customers’ doorsteps.
  5. Miata Fitment – $2,000
    Miata Fitment simplifies the buying process for wheels, tires and suspension by allowing a perfect fit through a 3D fitment visualizer.

Open League:

  1. Neuro Prima – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland – $5,000
    Neuro Prima is a cranial implant facilitating surgical brain decompression and skull reconstruction in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries.

High School League:

  1. Vital – Sammamish High School – $5,000 – sponsored by the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship
    Vital is an AI-powered landscaping app that transforms outdoor spaces using a simple phone photo, blueprint or sketch.
  2. Sweet Labs – $2,000 – sponsored by Believe in Me
    Sweet Labs is an interactive dessert shop and bakery where customers can create, customize and enjoy their own personalized treats.
  3. Someone Loves You – $1,000 – sponsored by Believe in Me
    Someone Loves You is a clothing business that creates hoodies with affirming messages.
  4. Arachnid Apparel – $750 – sponsored by Believe in Me
    Arachnid Apparel is a fashion business that sews custom designs on unused, blank clothing.

Merit Prize Winners:

  • Best Technology Venture: Kerat AI – $2,500
  • Best Social Impact Venture: Whiskers & Willow Cat Café – $2,500

Ag Innovation Merit Prize Winner:

  • Valicoff Best Ag Innovation: AgTag – $3,000

Additional Merit Prize Winner:

  • Best in Trade Show: Someone Loves You – $2,500