With the chance to compete in a final pitch, it comes down to six Incubator businesses with the potential to win money. Incubator students’ final pitches will take place Thursday, April 25 at TECC-West. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the event starting at 6 p.m.

The preliminary pitch took place Thursday, April 11 where Incubator students created a presentation to impress a panel of judges. From this meeting, only six out of 13 student businesses were selected as finalists. One of the businesses is EcoPaws, created by junior Emily Najera who recycles fabric to make beds for animals.  

“I feel really nervous,” Najera said. “But, I’m also fully committed and dedicated to just giving it my best.” 

Only two businesses will win at the final pitch. The winners will ask for money to invest in their businesses; the maximum students can ask for is $5,000. With her custom press-on nails pitch, senior Coretta Willams wants to win the largest amount of money possible.

“If I win, I’m asking for the maximum amount,” Williams said. “For me, this is the go-big or go-home moment.”

After months of preparation, students have counted on the support from mentors and teachers. Students have prepared well-constructed presentations and practiced their speech skills as well.

“My students have had to learn everything by themselves—they had to push through difficult things,” Incubator teacher Nicole Franczvai said. “They have to build this huge business idea and at the same time cut it up into pieces in order to do a good presentation.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the final pitch. If students are interested in attending, they will need to fill out a Google Form online to confirm their presence. 

“I’m very excited for my students, and this is definitely a nerve-wracking experience for them,” Franczvai said. “Their hard work is going to have a moment to be seen and appreciated.”