Amanda Brown Executive Assistant | Hart County Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Brown Executive Assistant | Hart County Chamber of Commerce
The Hart County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Hartwell Main Street and funded by Georgia Power, held its second annual StartUp Hart Business Pitch Competition on Tuesday evening. Modeled after the Shark Tank television series, the competition featured student entrepreneurs from Hart County presenting their business ideas to a panel of local judges after thorough preparation and mentorship.
The competition aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurial skills among Hart County students. Participants showcased their business plans supported by products and demonstrations, including merchandise, a musical act, and a custom truck.
The winners of the competition were awarded seed money to advance their projects: Jackson Ford received $1,000 for Lake Hartwell Music Studio, Ivan Delgado-Rojas received $750 for CustomRides, and Kason Carden received $250 for BIG’N Outdoors.
Beyond the financial rewards, participants earned academic credit and worked with mentors and business professionals throughout the semester. Notably, Dr. Margaret Ryder from the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center provided business planning and financial modeling advice. Additional support was offered by Jason Ford, Amanda Brown, Dr. Rosanna Cruz Bibb, and Jessica Seawright, with Mrs. Bray List providing academic guidance.
Amanda Brown remarked, “This program aligns with the Hart College and Career Academy’s goal of ensuring students are enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation. But we’re also emphasizing a fourth E—Entrepreneurship. By helping students cultivate real businesses and surrounding them with the tools to succeed, we’re investing in a brighter, more prosperous future for our rural community.”
Judges Marshall Sayer, Kayla Segars, and Maurice Jones evaluated the presentations and were impressed with the application of practical business concepts by the students.
The competition not only provided seed money and academic credit but also offered students valuable insights into entrepreneurship. The Hart County Chamber of Commerce and Hartwell Main Street expressed gratitude to Georgia Power for its support through the CREATE program, which encourages economic growth and entrepreneurship in rural communities.
More details about business development or youth entrepreneurship initiatives in Hart County are available at www.hart-chamber.org.
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