Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

In the recent James and Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition and Pitch Event, hosted by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, student entrepreneurs showcased innovative business ideas to a panel of judges. The event saw the recognition of promising ventures, with winners emerging in various categories.

Daria Stepanova and Dayan C. Pita Garcia claimed the first-place prize for their business plan to introduce Artesano, an artisanal coffee company offering authentic Colombian coffee in tea bags. Daria expressed confidence in their product, stating, "We believe in the high quality of our product and the competitiveness of our pricing." Dayan emphasized their commitment to social responsibility by honoring Colombian farmers.

John Mussalli, a Computer Science student, secured the second prize for his app, Bus Now, designed to inform parents about school bus delays. John highlighted the importance of clear communication between schools and parents, aiming to address the lack of information in this area.

James Bailey, the third-place winner, presented his app concept called Bridge, focusing on bridging the financial gap between social media influencers and their audiences. James, driven by his entrepreneurial aspirations, expressed his motivation by stating, "I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur."

The competition, underwritten by Mr. Christmas, featured a distinguished panel of judges, including industry experts and successful entrepreneurs, providing valuable feedback and support to the participating students. The event not only celebrated innovation and creativity but also highlighted the potential of young entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

The competition serves as a significant platform for aspiring student entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, receive mentorship, and gain recognition for their innovative business concepts. It represents a valuable opportunity for these young minds to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality and make a positive impact in the business world.