Sixteen Cleveland Business Mentors volunteers supported Season 9 semifinalists, including the first- and third-place winners.
When entrepreneurs step in front of a panel of judges to pitch their businesses, the presentation may last only a few minutes. But behind those few minutes are months or years of hard work—and often the guidance of an experienced mentor.
That guidance was on full display during Season 9 of the Cleveland Chain Reaction pitch competition.
Cleveland Business Mentors provided 16 volunteer mentors to work with participating semifinalists as they refined their business strategies and prepared to present their companies. Two businesses coached by CBM mentors ultimately finished among the competition’s top three.
Turning wind turbine blades into public art
The $40,000 first-place prize went to Noblewins LLC, an innovative business that turns retired wind turbine blades into public art.
CBM mentor Brad Swimmer worked with company co-founders Brian Donahue and Sean Calhoun as they prepared for the competition. Noblewins’ victory recognized both the creativity of its concept and the potential to transform a difficult-to-recycle industrial material into something that can benefit and beautify communities.
Creating memorable experiences for sports fans
Engineered 2 Entertain received the $20,000 second-place award.
The company specializes in custom props, fan-engagement experiences, and entertainment elements for professional sports organizations. Its work helps teams create distinctive and memorable experiences that bring fans closer to the action.
Making Indian meals more convenient
The $10,000 third-place prize went to Mouma’s, a company that produces convenient Indian meal products. Mouma's was founded by Sruti Baz alongside her partner/co-founder Joe Baz.
Mouma’s was mentored by CBM mentor Mike Lawson, who worked with the company as it prepared for the competition. The business is responding to growing consumer interest in convenient meal options that also deliver distinctive, authentic flavors.
More than a pitch competition
All the winners were announced at Ariel LaSalle Theatre during FOX 8 News in the Morning’s “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” A special $5,000 fourth-place award was also presented to Jam by Josh.
Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises—COSE—in collaboration with JumpStart Inc. and FOX 8 News in the Morning.
The program is designed to connect Greater Cleveland entrepreneurs with capital, business education, experienced advisors and continued support. Season 9 semifinalists participated in a four-week JumpStart bootcamp before presenting their businesses during a two-day showcase.
The prize money can provide an important boost, but the value of the experience extends well beyond the awards. Preparing for a pitch competition requires entrepreneurs to explain their business models clearly, demonstrate a viable growth strategy, understand their financial needs and communicate how additional capital will be used.
An experienced mentor can help an entrepreneur look at the business from the perspective of a customer, lender, investor or competition judge. Mentors ask questions, identify potential gaps and help business owners organize their ideas into a clear and persuasive story.
Demonstrating the value of mentoring
CBM’s participation in Cleveland Chain Reaction demonstrates what can happen when experienced business professionals volunteer their knowledge to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
By providing mentors to 16 semifinalists, CBM was able to support a diverse group of businesses and business owners. The first- and third-place finishes achieved by Noblewins and Mouma’s offer especially visible examples of that impact.
Their success belongs first and foremost to the entrepreneurs who created the businesses, developed their products and presented their visions. CBM is proud that its mentors could play a supporting role in helping them prepare for this important opportunity.
Congratulations to Noblewins, Engineered 2 Entertain, Mouma’s and all the Season 9 participants. We look forward to following their progress and seeing the jobs, products, experiences and community benefits they create throughout Greater Cleveland.
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By , michael.lawson@cbmentors.org
Certified Business Mentor
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