Colorado Mesa University hosts 17th Entrepreneurship Day |

Colorado Mesa University recently held its 17th annual Entrepreneurship Day (E-Day), which brings together local entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners and showcases the talent and ideas of the university’s business students.

The event held an elevator pitch competition where three student teams presented their business ideas, and the attendees voted for the best business plan. The winner received a cash prize to support their business venture.

This year’s three business ideas included Explore U Travel Agency, Fuel Up — Smart Meals Solutions and GearGuard.

Explore U Travel Agency offers a subscription service for students looking to travel more affordably while learning about the world and themselves.

Fuel Up — Smart Meals Solutions is a student meal service that offers healthier and cheaper meals using local produce, meat and other ingredients.

GearGuard produces car-adhering gear stands that can be used for all seasonal sports, whether for holding a pair of skis or a mountain bike.

E-Day’s keynote speaker, Phillips Armstrong Jr, has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, which was the area of focus for this year’s event.

He is the CEO and founder of Destination Hospitality Group, which includes notable restaurants throughout Colorado.

Armstrong’s speech, titled “Hospitality is Our Destination,” delved into his experience in the hospitality field and the importance of maintaining human connection in a digital world.

“We need more social, less media,” Armstrong said.

He also discussed making the customer feel special and important skills for entrepreneurs and those seeking careers in hospitality to empower them to be successful in their future business endeavors.