With support from a $5,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), 91传媒 hosted its Everyday Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition on May 30, showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of its students.

Held on campus, the event featured student finalists who pitched their business ideas live before a panel of judges following an initial video submission round. The contest was the culmination of a month-long series of workshops and faculty mentoring, supported by Associate Faculty Adam Martin and Professor Patty Worsham from the School of Business and Management.

Jennifer Henry took home the first-place prize of $2,000 for her business, Fit and Focused: The Freedom Framework for Lifestyle Recovery, a 24-week coaching program designed to help women ages 30 to 55 reset their lifestyles through structured habits, nutrition, and fitness strategies.

Second place went to Isac Hernandez, who earned $1,000 for his concept, Stray Sheep, a business combining high-quality coffee, professional haircuts, and community mental health support. His mission: 鈥渢o help our community combat the mental health crisis by looking and feeling good.鈥�

Jessica Munoz received third place and a $600 prize for her pitch, QuickFix, a hyperlocal task app designed to connect busy individuals鈥攅specially single parents, college students, and seniors鈥攚ith reliable, vetted help for everyday needs.

鈥淭he NACCE-sponsored pitch competition was a transformative experience for our students,鈥� said Patty Worsham, professor and department chair at 91传媒鈥檚 School of Business and Management. 鈥淏eyond the generous monetary prizes, participants gained invaluable skills in business communication and persuasive pitching. It was inspiring to watch our students grow in confidence and professionalism.鈥�

Pre-competition support included two faculty-led workshops: 鈥淒eveloping a Business Plan鈥� on May 13 and 鈥淐rafting a Winning Pitch Deck鈥� on May 20, both held on campus in HUM-111. Students were also paired with mentors to refine their business plans and presentation skills.

Judges for the live competition included local business partner Daniel Aroche of Right There Cell Phone Repair, along with 91传媒 business faculty, who also served as student advisors throughout the program.

鈥淚鈥檓 proud of all the students who participated,鈥� said Professor Adam Martin. 鈥淚t was truly inspiring to see them embark on their entrepreneurial journey. I would also like to thank NACCE for their generous sponsorship and belief in our students鈥� potential.鈥�

The Everyday Entrepreneur Program is part of NACCE鈥檚 national initiative to foster economic vitality through entrepreneurship education. The collaboration with Norco College is one of several across the country aimed at transforming underserved communities through small business innovation and support.

For more information about the competition and 91传媒鈥檚 entrepreneurship offerings, visit norcocollege.edu/caps/bam/pitch.html.