Seton Hill students had the chance to show off their ability to pitch a business idea to potential investors as part of the Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities’ annual Elevator Pitch Competition.

More than 70 students submitted videos of their 90-second business idea pitches. A panel of judges narrowed those videos down to 20 finalists, who presented their ideas live in Cecilian Hall. 

Nutrition and dietetics major Rachel Allison won the grand prize of $1,000 for selling her business concept for “Born Fresh” in the time it would take to ride the elevator with a potential investor.

Born Fresh is a meal delivery service for expectant mothers, which allows them to choose breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options created by a team of specialized registered dietitians for their particular stage of pregnancy.  

Second place and recipient of $500 was Kristin Piciacchia, a senior art major, who pitched an easy-to-use student class scheduling program, while third place and $250 went to Sarah Melchiore, a senior business major, who offered the judges a brace for dogs with hip issues.

Other winners include:

Fourth Place - Steele Eckenrode, senior business major, wastewater reduction system;

Fifth Place - Zachary Recklein, sophomore business major, an app to plan your weekend;

Sixth Place - Lauren Tronolone, junior dietetics and nutrition major, nutrition coaching and cooking;

Seventh Place - Taylor Vagnoni, senior dietetics and nutrition major, a nutrition program for employers;

Social Entrepreneurship Award - Cassy Dorsch, MBA student, cooperative to combat water crisis;

Top Freshman Award - Joshua Gottlieb, freshman business administration major,  textbook website.