Aspiring Entrepreneurs Compete in Speed Pitch 2013
Student with plan for Puerto Rican Spice Blend wins competition

Congratulations to Gail Seise Boyd (second from left), Culinary Arts and Hotel/Restaurant Management major at SCCC, who was chosen as the winner of the first Speed Pitch competition held at the College on May 15, 2013. She is shown above with (l. to r.) Matt Farron, Professor in the Division of Business, Criminal Justice and Law at SCCC; Erin Baker, SCCC student and second place winner in the competition; Janet Tanguay, Entrepreneurship Manager for the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber; and Bob Frederick, Coordinator of Career and Employment Services at SCCC.

A panel of Capital Region experts in business, marketing, public relations and entrepreneurship listened as Gail and three other SCCC students passionately described their ideas for businesses they would like to open in the area. The experts asked the aspiring entrepreneurs questions about their business plans and offered seasoned advice to them as they pursue their business ventures.

Ultimately, Gail was chosen for her plan to produce and market Ramona's Racao Puerto Rican Spice Blend. Judge Michael Massey, Vice President for Sales at Clickit Digital online media company, had this to say about Gail, "She was dynamic and charismatic and I could tell she really had a passion for what she was presenting."

Gail will now receive five hours of business coaching through the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber. She also received dinner for two at a Mallozzi's dining establishment.

Second place in the competition went to Erin Baker, a Culinary Arts major, whose plan for The Bakery, a specialty bakery she would like to open in the Adirondacks, also impressed the judges. She received dinner for two in the College's gourmet Casola Dining Room.

Lissa D'Aquanni, Director of Community Relations for the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, said that both Gail and Erin had solid plans for their business endeavors. "They were both willing to build partnerships and their ideas are very realistic and feasible," she said.

The judges complimented all of the students who competed, which, in addition to Gail and Erin also included Ryan Van Brocklen and Rebbecca Castillo, on their entrepreneurial spirit and energy.

Speed Pitch was the brainchild of Matt Farron, Professor in the Division of Business, Criminal Justice and Law, and Bob Frederick, Coordinator of Career and Employment Services. They then partnered with Janet Tanguay, Entrepreneurship Manager for the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber, who organized the expert judges.

Plans are already underway to expand the competition next year. Be on the lookout next spring for details on Speed Pitch 2014. In the meantime, contact the College's Career and Employment Services Office for other exciting career programs at the College.