East Stroudsburg University Hosts Second Warrior Startup Challenge

East Stroudsburg University’s Division of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship held its Warrior Startup Challenge, culminating with the top three student finalists presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges on Tuesday, April 7. The three-round competition began in November with 29 students, from across a variety of majors, who recorded a two-minute video highlighting their business idea, and 23 students advanced to Round 2 where they prepared a Business Venture Profile to refine their business model, before the three finalists were selected.

Yaa Aye-Danquah, a senior majoring in finance from Willow Grove, Pa., won the first-place prize of $10,000. Danquah presented a business plan for Sweeties Kitchen and Pastries, a catering company that serves authentic Ghanaian and continental flavors.

Alexa Villafana, a senior majoring in communications from Stroudsburg, Pa., came in second place, receiving $5,000 for her company The Network Exchange, a creative business that builds community and economic opportunity through live events and creative advertising.

Micah Krajsa, a junior majoring in finance from Middletown, Pa., came in third place and was awarded $2,500 for his company Mayaboard, LLC, a revolutionary, patent pending mobile charging station, designed as a miniature, iconic surfboard, engineered for active mobile users who need to stay connected on the go.

First, second, and third place awards were sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB), Marathon Studios, Inc., Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU), and MegaPhase.

“The Warrior Startup Challenge is an opportunity for students to embrace their inner entrepreneur and to compete for cash awards to help turn their business concepts into reality,” said Kenneth Long, president of ESU. “Our three student finalists have been mentored by ESU faculty, staff and industry partners to prepare them to launch their business ideas. What we saw in the final round competition highlights the impact of the learning environment at ESU that is fueled by our innovative and passionate campus community.”

Chris Paradysz ’83, an entrepreneur, served as the emcee for the event. The judges were Victoria O’Rourke, community relationship manager, Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union; Jonathan Weber ’14, entrepreneur; Jamie Schmeelk, CFO and human resources officer, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau; Michael Harris, chief information officer, Martz Bus; and Michelle Bisbing, president, Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation.

The Warrior Startup Challenge will air on Blue Ridge Communications Channel 13 on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 16 at 4 p.m., and Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m.

For more information about the Warrior Startup Challenge contact Patrice Dume, director of business accelerator & entrepreneurship by calling (570) 422-7953 or email pdume@esu.edu.

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