University of Mary Washington junior J.D. Nett already knew he had at least one supporter of his proposed business venture – his mom.
His LAX Gear Dryer – a portable system for airing out sweaty athletic equipment, like the shoulder pads that fumed up the family car between practices in Leesburg, Virginia – now has more backing … and more seed money. Lots more.
Nett, No. 41 on the Eagles lacrosse team, walked away from last week’s Eagle Egg Pitch Competition with a first-place finish and $10,000 to help bring his entrepreneurial vision to life.
“Small awards create excitement. Larger awards create traction,” College of Business Dean Filiz Tabak said of the Shark Tank-like contest, where students present their ideas to a panel of experienced judges. “For many UMW students, even a few hundred dollars for prototyping can be transformational.”
Nine teams vied for top awards – second- and third-place finishers receive $2,000 and $1,000 respectively – during the three-hour annual event, which took place in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium. Five successful professionals, all Mary Washington alumni, served as judges, providing feedback and posing questions following timed pitches for everything from a campus laundry service to charms that dress up your shoes. Read more about UMW’s Eagle Egg Pitch Competition.