Archive: Business & Technology

Dr. Robert Nye, President of Finger Lakes Community College and former State Senator Mike Nozzolio, on behalf of LOCATE Finger Lakes, congratulate student entrepreneurs on the successful completion of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program at FLCC. Student entrepreneurs include: Lehi Weed, Megan Marley, Jack Dunfey, Kendall Davis, Michael Zellers, Emily Johnson, Garett Waltman and Micah Krop.Creative ideas were plentiful, and the competition was intense as student entrepreneurs from all across the Finger Lakes region pitched their business ideas at the recent Investor Panel competition at the Finger Lakes Community College.

Sponsored by Lyons National Bank (LNB), LOCATE Finger Lakes, the Finger Lakes Community College, and other local businesses, the Investor Panel provided the opportunity for students to invent their own business and develop a business plan. The young entrepreneurs were judged by the Investor Panel on the feasibility of their business concepts and thoroughness of their business plans.

Similar to the television program "Shark Tank", students were awarded funding based on their overall presentations, a description of their product, marketing ideas and financial projections. The business ideas proposed from student entrepreneurs ranged from vegan gluten free donuts, to an interactive platform service for online gamers. One student was selected from the class to compete for college scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 and business prize packages at the annual Saunders Scholars Semi-Finals to be held in Rochester on May 3rd.

A highlight of the program was a welcome address by Dr. Robert Nye, President of the Finger Lakes Community College. Dr. Nye, a big supporter of the program, congratulated the student entrepreneurs for their creativity and innovation. "We are so proud to be a part of the YEA program and our partnership with Locate Finger Lakes. The YEA program is a wonderful way to provide young students in our community an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the excitement of entrepreneurial thought and develop real businesses in our region!" said Dr. Nye.

Several business leaders from the Finger Lakes region served as panel members for the event including, Charles Parkhurst from Lyons National Bank, Matt Horn, Director of Municipal Services for MRB Group Inc., Mike Davis (title) I.B.E.W., Mike Riccio from Leonards Express, Inc., Jane Shaffer, President of Sessler Wrecking, and Jerry Goodenough of Heorot Power.

The following students participated in the Investor Panel Competition:


The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) provides students with real life opportunities to make their business concept become reality. In the YEA! program, students learn how to write business plans, prepare presentations and pitch their ideas to investors, obtain financial backing, register their businesses and organizations, develop marketing plans and materials, prepare for trade shows and learn how to sell their products and services.

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