NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The MCLA community is invited to view and vote on MCLA senior business plan pitches during the College's virtual 2021 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge (IEC). 

 

Voting is open from 5 p.m. on Monday, May 3 to 8 a.m. on Friday, May 7, and any member of the MCLA community (student, faculty, staff, alumni, or general community member) is eligible to vote once during that time.  

 

To watch and vote, visit https://lnk.mcla.edu/thechallenge 

 

Students began their projects with an idea, laid out a plan, and researched customer demand to determine viability. Each senior will present their business plan in a recorded eight-minute pitch. This year's participants are: Lorenzo Cristofolini '21, Cristo's Consulting; Jake Ferrara '21, Ferrara Lawn Care; Latisha Hargrett '21, Strong Shoulders; Austin Miller '21, Get Hooked Bait & Tackle; Andrew Nygard '21, Wheels Now!; and Jakob Tuponce '21, $ The Dough Place $. 

 

Afterwards, judges will deliberate and the community votes will be tallied to determine the winners. The first-place project will be awarded $7,500, second place $5,000, and third place $2,500 toward start-up funding to cover inventory, equipment, and marketing for the business.  

 

This year's judges include North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard and Bruce Lessels, founder of Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont, Massachusetts.    

 

All IEC participants will continue to be assisted by the Entrepreneur-in-Residence as they pursue their businesses. The IEC has launched several businesses that continue to grow. For more information, contact Entrepreneur-in-Residence Amy Shapiro at Amy.Shapiro@mcla.edu. 

 

The winners will be announced at 5 p.m. on May 7 at https://lnk.mcla.edu/thechallenge