Speaker Series: Ramon Peralta, Jr.
On February 22, 2023, Ramon E. Peralta, Jr. spoke at the Werth Center as part of the Spring Speaker Series
First Annual CT State Elevator Pitch Competition
The Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosted its first annual CT State Elevator Pitch Competition and gave out nearly $23,000 in grant awards.
Students across the CT State community college system were invited to submit their 60 second business pitches to a panel of industry professionals. These blind judges invited 22 finalists to compete on December 1st for the final round, and the top 5 students were chosen as the winners.
First Place
Aileen Taveras: Shape your Bod LLC
Aileen Taveras, representing Capital Community College and her business ‘Shape your Bod, LLC’ provides shapewear to women to increase their confidence, and slim their figure.
Second Place
Sean Ferris and Max Micinilio: Paddington Landscaping
This team of two Housatonic Community college students, Sean Ferris and Max Micinilio, won 2nd place for their business ‘Paddington Landscaping.’ Using all electric equipment, their mission is to provide affordable landscaping for their community while also remaining conscious of their environmental impact.
Third Place
Emily Eschweiler: Capture a Moment
‘Capture a Moment’ takes a memory and turns it into a hand painted masterpiece and earned Gateway Community College Student Emily Eschweiler 3rd place in our competition.
Fourth Place
Castor Alaba: CastorMagic
Housatonic Community College student Castor Alaba won fourth place with his business ‘CastorMagic,’ where he sells his crochet creations, crochet kits and offers commission orders.
Fifth Place
Ligia D’Angelo: Waves and Sand
During the pandemic, Ligia D’Angelo from Housatonic Community College picked up a new side hobby of collecting sea glass and turning it into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Ligia plans to use her business, ‘Waves and Sand’ to teach people about the effects of trash and pollution in our environment and encourage and inspire others to make a difference.
A special congratulations to all 22 finalists who were selected to present on December 1st!
Pop-Up Showcase 2022
Thank you for supporting the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
My City Initiative LLC
Fashion Design and Commissions
Ari Serrano, Community Member
Managed by Netta Nicole, HCC Alumna
www.ariserrano.com
My City Initiative LLC
EXP: Skin
Jvince
Custom Shoe Art
Jose Villafane, Gateway Student
Crowd Favorite
Jvince
Maybelline’s Cleaning
Residential Cleaning Service
Maybelline Miranda, HCC
Best Business Concept
Dreaming Arc Studios
Custom Art on Clothing
Taylor Bryson, HCC
Best Table Display
Dreaming Arc Studios
Student Entrepreneur Gallery
Students showcase their business in a Pop-Up event and can be featured in the Entrepreneur Gallery at the Center.
