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Inspired by the hit reality show “Shark Tank,” three finalists spent seven grueling minutes pitching their hearts out at the 5th Annual Pitch Competition. The competition, presented by the �������� University McColl School of Business and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle, saw a surge in interest to compete this year with more than twenty student participants from all undergraduate levels and disciplines at ��������. The competition provides exposure and access to a panel of esteemed Charlotte-based entrepreneurs and business leaders.

This year’s finalists included Wealth Quest, a game-based app that fosters financial literacy for the Millennial and Gen Z population; Unfinished USA, a trendy clothing line with a powerful message; and BalancedBeing, a wellness resource utilizing microlearning modules and learning management systems for students.

The winner? Unfinished USA. Spearheaded by Chase Aldous ’25, Unfinished USA is a streetwear brand that consists of high-quality and sustainable clothing. Aldous plans on re-investing his $2,500 prize money back into his business by hiring a marketing team to help boost his brand. As for next year’s contestants? Aldous imparted some wisdom, “If you have an idea that you are passionate about, the sky’s the limit!”

Second place and $1,500 went to Taylor Leë Andorfer ’24 for her concept called BalancedBeing. “Our mission is to empower students to approach their lives in a holistic way,” said Andorfer. “BalancedBeing is an integrative, manageable, and effective approach for students to manage stress and prioritize wellness before heading into the real world after college.”

Antoinette Villanueva ‘23 secured the third-place prize, winning $500 and the Audience Choice Award for an additional $500. “Be committed to whatever your vision is,” said Villanueva. “Know the problem you are trying to solve and understand the value it can bring to the population you are trying to serve.”

“The students create the content but without the generosity of our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to put this on with the energy and excitement we’ve had tonight,“ said Keith Luedeman, head of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle (ELC).

Through scholarship support, mentoring, coaching, and other enrichment opportunities like the �������� Pitch Competition, the ELC encourages entrepreneurial ventures of all sizes in an effort to stimulate economic growth.

“I’ve seen the competition grow in interesting and exciting ways and the Pitch Competition has become one of my favorite traditions here,” said Dan Lugo, president of ��������. “This is just another example of how our multidisciplinary approach to education prepares our students for the incredible community and ecosystem here in Charlotte.”

Learn more by visiting the �������� Pitch Competition webpage.