2023

First place: Brandon Latham | Salty Dog Oyster Farm

Brandon won first place in 2023 for his business idea to create an oyster farm on a property in Maryland. His plan is to raise oysters for sale and offer farm tours of his facility.

Second place: Elizabeth James | Mortal Ink

Elizabeth won second place with her idea for an upscale tattoo shop that she would manage and operate.

Third place: Tyler Ventura | Horizon Kitchen & Bath

Tyler won third place for his existing startup business that focuses on remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.

2021

First place: Suzanne Triplett | Back to Grounds Mobile Café

Suzanne won first place in 2021 for her startup idea: a mobile café serving coffee to Stafford-area commuters. Her idea is to base her mobile café in the Stafford commuter parking lot so that the hundreds of daily commuters have access to a quick cup of coffee.

Second place: Wes Cantrall, Kyle Ortiz and Ethan Dillon | Sunnyside Supply Co

Wes, Kyle and Ethan launched their CBD company outside their family home in a greenhouse during the pandemic. Since then, they have expanded to produce hemp seed products and sell local produce in Roanoke, VA.

Third place: Page Olsen | ImpressedbyPage nails

Page sells nail sets and nail decals to customers online through Etsy, at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market, and she provides nail salon services on campus.

2019

First place: Mariana Patterson, UMW | Bee Buzzed Candle Company

Mariana won first place in 2019 for her startup: Bee Buzzed Candle Company. While a full-time student at UMW, Mariana developed her idea of producing 100 percent organic beeswax candles which she sold online and at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market. Her company’s mission is to create a healthier and more natural experience for candle lovers, and to give back to the bees.

Second place: Ethan Cory, Patrick Fairfield & Michael Gilchrist, UMW | Pip’s Tips

Pip’s Tips is a children’s education mobile application that teaches youth how to do simple tasks like tying your shoes or riding a bike. Ethan, Patrick and Michael were a team of UMW students who developed this idea without actually launching.

Third place: Quinton Mcreynolds & Brandon Davis, Germanna | Quantum Glyphics

Quinton and Brandon launched Quantum Glyphics, a branding services and marketing company with unique graphic design skills. They do digital art, printing, and photography and video, and they went door-to-door to market their company and seek customers.