TODAY: Eighth Annual Attman Business Pitch Competition Finals
October 21, 2019
Contact: Office of Government and Public Affairs
Phone: 410.837.5739
Each year, the Leonard and Phyllis Attman Competitive Business Prize competition showcases many of the University of Baltimore community's most talented and driven entrepreneurs. And 2019 is no exception: More than 45 students—undergraduates and graduates, representing a wide range of academic backgrounds and disciplines—submitted applications for their enterprising ideas.
In mid-October, a team of preliminary judges, culled from UB and the Baltimore startup ecosystem, narrowed down the pool to six businesses, developed by nine students, for the live finale on Tuesday, Nov. 19. (Attendance details listed below.) The group will compete for prizes totaling more than $5,000 in seed money and other awards. Announced by UB's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, here are the finalists:
- Melvin Clark III, B.S. '20, who will be pitching AMJ Fishing Group, which produces high-end performance fishing gloves and apparel for sport and recreational anglers.
- Sherri Freeman, B.S. '20, Jumoke Gyenyame, B.A. ’21, and Sherri Haynes, B.S. '20, representing E-Sure, a chip-encrypted medical insurance card bridging the gap between the provider, insurer, and the patient.
- Brian Furr, B.S. '21, whose startup manufactures "My Furr's Guitar," which aids early childhood development by teaching music through a simple, color-coded system embedded in a custom-built electric guitar.
- Devante Jones, J.D. '22, and Dexter Carr Jr., MBA '21, who teamed up to create G-Haven Esports Bar and Arena, a venue that brings people of all backgrounds together to eat, drink, and watch and compete in various e-sports.
- Nikia Madison, B.S. '21, founder of CommonAllergies, a stress-free environment providing allergen-free foods and snacks and serves as a resource and community for people who suffer from any of the major food allergies.
- Torianne Montes-Schiff, B.S. '21, who created Almano, a subscription box service featuring handmade goods from local artisans, including jewelry, art prints, natural health/beauty care products, and seasonal herbs.
This dynamic group will present before a live audience and a panel of expert judges on Tuesday, Nov. 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Wright Theater in the UB Student Center, 21 W. Mt. Royal Ave. The event is free and open to the public. Online registration is requested; visit the Eventbrite page for details.
Judges for the 2019 Attman competition include Lara Azzam, executive director of Betamore; Mark Caplan, president of The Time Group; and Dan Morrison, M.A. ’92, founding partner at Jacob William Advisory, Inc.
Now in its eighth year, and a highlight of Global Entrepreneurship Week on campus, the Attman Competitive Business Prize is designed to provide seed funding for and generate awareness of new and emerging innovative business ventures nurtured by the UB community.
Learn more about the Attman Competitive Business Prize.
The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation directs support and assistance to UB students and alumni interested in building or growing an enterprise. The center does this through support, culture, events, education and research, and connecting with the business community. Meet with one of our counselors to discuss launching or growing your business. Visit us at www.ubalt.edu/cei or call 410.837.4892 for more information.
(Homepage image by Adam McCall.)