The Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis campus recently hosted the Power Pitch Series powered by Old National Bank. A total of nine students presented their business concepts to a panel of judges for cash prizes and resources. Old National Bank generously assisted with awarding scholarship dollars for current student pitches during the event.
Top winner Danielle Lewis received $1,000, and second place winner David Cowburn received $750.
Dannie’s Dance
For the presentation, Lewis pitched her business, Dannie’s Dance. Lewis started the organization to create lasting systematic change in the community by providing tailored dance lessons to kids, teens and adults with intellectual disabilities or anyone who wants to dance. Her main goal is for dancers to enjoy and express themselves in an active setting or the privacy of their own home.
“I had done years of research when starting Dannie’s Dance, but I started at Ivy Tech to really learn how to get the nonprofit off the ground and fund it,” said Lewis, who has been a dancer for more than 15 years, specializing in ballet, jazz and hip hop.
Lewis transitioned Dannie’s Dance from a nonprofit to a business entity this year, and she plans to use the winnings for increased marketing and making Dannie’s Dance available to anyone who needs it.
Ivy Teach faculty really held my hand and lit that fire to make this happen and grow this passion.
– Danielle Lewis
To support Lewis and Dannie’s Dance, learn more at www.danniesdance.com.
Nature of Origin
For his presentation, David Cowburn pitched his company, Nature of Origin. Cowburn’s company connects people in any given area of the country with native plants and the local nurseries that sell them.
“It’s an ecommerce site where you’ll input your zip code, and it will show you all plants native to your area with all the local, independent nurseries near you to buy them from,” explained Cowburn.
Cowburn’s start-up is dedicated to helping gardeners combat invasive species on a community-wide scale. He’ll use the prize dollars to hire a web developer to create an intuitive and intelligent solution that streamlines the process of selecting native plants, making it easy and accessible for everyone.
To support Cowburn and Nature of Origin, sign up for his newsletter www.natureoforigin.com.
Student Lawanna Scott also earned third place and received $500.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
