ECU students participate at the 2024 i2E Entrepreneur’s Cup | Local News

East Central University students participated in the i2E Entrepreneur’s Cup, sponsored by Loves Travel Stop.

Despite intense competition, five students from ECU placed in various categories, continuing the university’s long-standing success and earning a total of $35,000 in prize and scholarship money.

“I’m incredibly proud of how hard the students worked on their business plans this year,” said Wilburn L. Smith Center for Entrepreneurship Director, Dr. Stacey Bolin. “Each of our students had ideas of their own that they were passionate about and chose to tackle a business plan and presentation typically handled by a team of 3 to 6 students. Our ECU students worked diligently to prepare a deal summary, participate in an expert interview, write a full business plan with pro forma financials, create a 90-second pitch, and hone a 20-minute investor presentation.”

Hunter Cook of Ada placed first in the Small Business category and was awarded $13,000 in prize money.

Alyssa McCullar of Ada placed second in the Small Business category and was awarded $9,000 in prize money.

Godsgift Ezedinma of Enugu, Nigeria was an Oklahoma Business Roundtable Paulsen Award winner and Small Business semi-finalist receiving a $5,000 scholarship.

Jolee Grinstead of Davis was an Oklahoma Business Roundtable Paulsen Award winner and Small Business finalist receiving a $5,000 scholarship and $1,000 in prize money.

Vivian Tapia of Pauls Valley was a Small Business Finalist and Pitch winner, receiving $2,000 in prize money.

“The Entrepreneur’s Cup provides real-world experience for aspiring entrepreneurs to practice their skills and receive feedback from professionals as they move forward with their ideas,” continued Bolin.

ECU’s combined student award winnings since joining the competition in 2013 now totals $227,000.

Three of the listed students have begun the process of launching their businesses this summer.

Bolin concluded, “We are very thankful to Love’s and i2E for providing this opportunity.”