April 16, 2008
University of Miami to Award $25K in Annual Entrepreneurship Competition Friday
The School of Business Administration at the University of Miami will award $25,000 on FRIDAY, APRIL 18 to the winners of the School’s 6th annual Leigh Rothschild Entrepreneurship Competition. The competing teams have put forth some fascinating business ideas this year, so we felt this could form the basis for a feature story on student entrepreneurship. It is interesting to note that four of the finalist teams represent environmental/socially responsible related ventures. There are 11 teams in two categories. Information about each venture is included below. More information about the competition, which started back in September, can be found at:
http://www2.bus.miami.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=179
We welcome your coverage of the awards luncheon on Friday from 12 noon – 2 p.m., when the winners will be announced. The finalists will be available for interviews to discuss their business ideas and plans for the future. If you would like to attend or would like more information, please contact Jeff Heebner at jheebner@miami.edu or 301-284-4005.
-----COMPETITION FINALISTS-----
HIGH POTENTIAL VENTURE CATEGORY
Ideal Energy: Ideal Energy is an alternative energy company with the mission to develop a proprietary turbine to convert the power of the Gulf Stream Current into electricity.
Uranium Bioremediation Solutions: Uranium Bioremediation Solutions has developed a novel method to detoxify uranium-contaminated groundwater using microorganisms.
Sportivo Press: Sportivo Press, through the medium of photography and creative storytelling, publishes colorful greeting cards that reflect today's active lifestyles and passion for sport; cards that capture and convey life's true emotions.
Bait King: Bait King is an environmentally sustainable aquaculture company dedicated to the production of premium marine bait fish for offshore sport fishing.
The Luxury Index: The Luxury Index is the fastest growing all encompassing luxury travel, rental, sales, and lifestyle Web site which manages and influences the relationships in a database of high net worth individuals completely free of charge.
MyTherapyJournal.com: MyTherapyJournal.com is revolutionizing the health industry by creating innovative online therapy services and tools that help people live happier and more fulfilling lives.
PacHealth, Inc.: A one-stop medical tourism solution provider for American patients seeking reliable and affordable medical treatments in Singapore.
SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY
CorpSpeak: CorpSpeak is an enterprise software company with a mission of empowering the corporate world by offering software solutions that enable corporations to manage, analyze, and act upon feedback from customers, employees, suppliers, and partners in order to increase stakeholder satisfaction and maintain corporate integrity.
Oriental Oasis Teahouse: Oriental Oasis Teahouse is a new establishment focused on providing a unique Asian style "teahouse experience" for the locals and tourists in Miami.
Yogurt Persa®: An innovative yogurt and yucca bread concept, serving its customers in an express and interactive style; with the objective to promote social responsibilities.
Kidtopia Party Productions: Kidtopia Party Productions is a party planning service that focuses on customizing unique children's events. We create the ultimate experience for every child while maintaining a stress-free environment for each parent.
Slick-it Good!: Slick-it Good! is an innovative approach to hair care on the go. We provide space efficient hair iron time rental machines in high-end locations and airports for unruly hair.
Immense Music Marketing: Immense Music Marketing & Graphics is a full-service marketing and graphic design company primarily focused on providing specialized services to properly promote independent artists and others in the entertainment industry on a national level.
We Wash, LLC The premier 24 hour pick up, wash, fold, and delivery laundry system that answers the question: "Why wash, when We Wash?"
Open House Hunting: Open House Hunting Parties attempts to organize all home sellers in a neighborhood to create a group open house party. Potential buyers will love attending these parties because they will be able to see all homes available in their target neighborhood while having a little fun at the same time!
OneWedding: OneWedding is an online multi-brand registry that will enable couples to choose products and services from over 900 associated providers, and will facilitate the process of communicating this and all other wedding-related information with their guests, through a free, customizable, personal website.
