Havana Red owner Joan-Manuel Pouparina, a senior at Gulf Shores High School, was chosen to move on to the YEA! Regional Competition in May in Boca Raton, FL
Gulf Shoes, AL, March 12, 2014- Five high school students from Gulf Shores High School pitched their business ideas before a panel of investors to compete for funding at the First Annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Investor Panel Presentation Event. The students presented before representatives from the local business community as well as an audience filled with family, friends and members of the high school staff, for the opportunity to gain funding for their original ideas- that could be the next big thing! About 80 people attended the event, held at the Erie Meyer Civic Center.
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a national organization and this is the first year for it to be in Gulf Shores. It is sponsored by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. The Investor Panel Event is one of the program’s three big events that take place over the duration of the nine-month program.
On Thursday night, the Investor Panel donated monetary contributions, as well as their support and encouragement in their belief that they too can make a job- not take a job- at any age!
The investor panel consisted of the following business professionals:
Dr. Renee Dyken, Dyken Wealth Strategies
Mr. Rick Cooper, Columbia Southern University
Mr. Bob Higgins, Coastal Resiliency Coalition
Mr. Gene Barnett, Meyer Vacation Rentals
The funds were divided and allocated to the businesses that the investors felt had a well thought out business plan, and an idea that had a good chance at success.
All five student businesses received funding:
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Curly Hair Production, a video production service to film children’s Birthdays. Owner Avery Jellison is a senior at Gulf Shores High School.
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Luxury Supply Company, provides stylish street and traditional garments that are personalized to satisfy the urban culture. Owner Daniel Whitworth is a senior at GSHS.
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Havana Red, a Cuban inspired bar-b-que sauce. Owner Joan-Manuel Pouparina is a senior at GSHS.
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Reel Wear, an apparel company that designs its clothing around fishing and outdoor fun. Owner Lenzy Reese is a senior at GSHS.
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3D Custom Innovations, produces iPhone and other phone cases using a 3D printer and Eco friendly plastic. Owner Eric Jackson is a sophomore at GSHS.
Havana Red was chosen as the business to move on to the YEA! Regional competition in Boca Raton, Florida in May.
Students will now begin marketing and selling their products and services, and preparing for the YEA! Trade Show to showcase their goods to the general public. The Trade Show will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Fisher’s Restaurant in Orange Beach during the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s After Hours
