The second IdeaSpark Pitchfest engaged individuals with disabilities in developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

New Rochelle, N.Y. - Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation partnered with The Viscardi Center, a nonprofit organization that educates, employs, and empowers individuals with disabilities, as part of the second annual IdeaSpark program. Nine participants from around the country dedicated eight weeks to develop their entrepreneurial ideas for the chance to win $7,500 in non-equity cash grants. The culmination of their hard work resulted in a PitchFest which took place during Disability Pride Month.

Presenting to a panel of judges, participants shared their ideas ranging from mental health services to accessibility tools for clothing racks.

“Through IdeaSpark, The Viscardi Center – a global leader in disability inclusion – is proud to partner with Iona University and its world-class Hynes Institute of Entrepreneurship & Innovation to create truly inclusive training for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities,” said Dr. Chris Rosa, president & CEO of The Viscardi Center. “Working collaboratively and drawing on their strengths, Iona and Viscardi are ensuring that founders with disabilities have the capacity and opportunity to participate more equitably in economic development.”

Dr. Christoph Winkler, endowed professor and founding program director, kicked off the event with opening remarks. “This partnership aligns with Iona’s values to foster and support a diverse community of learners,” said Winkler. “We’re dedicated to cultivating a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and opportunity for all.”

Among the attendees celebrating the IdeaSpark participants was Anne Marie Hynes, benefactor of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

“I truly enjoyed attending this event,” said Hynes. “It is remarkable to hear from the next generation of change agents.”

Congratulations were extended to all 2024 IdeaSpark participants.

About The Viscardi Center:

The Viscardi Center is a network of nonprofit organizations based in Albertson, NY that provides services designed to educate, employ, and empower people with disabilities across various stages of life. Its programs include Pre-K through High School education (to age 21), school-to-work transition services, vocational training and job placement, digital accessibility services, entrepreneurship support, veteran employment assistance and workforce diversification initiatives for children through adults with disabilities as well as businesses. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr., who wore prosthetic legs and served as a disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter.

About Iona University:

Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private Catholic institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan on its New Rochelle campus along with an additional Bronxville campus established through collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital focused on health sciences education since July 2021 underlining its growth trajectory leading up-to changing status from College-to-University officially recognized on July 1st 2022 offering diversified academic programs including liberal arts sciences business administration MBA degrees advanced certificates small class sizes engaged professors multiple schools such as LaPenta School Business NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School Health Sciences alongside prestigious rankings like Princeton Review Wall Street Journal/College Pulse reflecting educational excellence also expanding internationally County Mayo Ireland enhancing Irish heritage connections