Two Nicolet College Students Advance to State Pitch Contest

Nicolet College students put their entrepreneurial spirit to the test recently at the 3rd Annual Business Pitch Competition held April 10. Students gave their best pitch for a business idea in four minutes to a panel of local judges.

Competing in the event were Katelyn Abbott, John Krueger, Isaiah Samuelson, Hannah Loew, and Sarah Brickman.

Katelyn Abbott and John Krueger were the top two finishers, earning them spots in the upcoming New Ideas Regional Pitch Challenge at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI April 25.

Abbott pitched a business idea for Blondie’s Bakery, a female-owned specialty bakery offering dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergy-free baked goods made with local and organic ingredients.

Krueger pitched a business idea for Urban Sprout Hydroponics, a low cost and high profit business offering fresh produce to personal chefs and caterers, as well as bulk sales to small businesses.

Curt Drumm, Nicolet College business management/entrepreneurship instructor, guided the students through this learning experience.

“This was a great opportunity for all our contestants to learn about presenting a business idea and making a good pitch for it. Much like TV’s Shark Tank, they all had to put together a good plan, present it, and then answer questions from the judges. All five of them did a great job. It was a tough decision picking the winners.”

Drumm added, “Nicolet College continues to cultivate an environment that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit, equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue their business aspirations. As the legacy of the Business Pitch Competition grows, it stands as a testament to the college's dedication to empowering future local business owners.”

The pitch contest was made possible through the generous support of these sponsors: the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), the Nicolet College Foundation, and Kwik Trip. 

In the photo above: Nicolet College students Katelyn Abbott and John Krueger, pictured with Curt Drumm, business management/entrepreneurship instructor, took top honors at the Nicolet College 3rd Annual Business Pitch Competition.