From idea spotting to the business plan and marketing strategy to the pitch, students in Beaver’s entrepreneurship elective have spent the term learning the different facets of being an entrepreneur. Each student developed their own idea for a new and innovative company – one that will make a positive impact on an industry or on society and also be driven by profit. The following five ideas were voted the best in class. Led by a student CEO, these ideas will be pitched to a panel of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs on “Shark Day” (November 15).
CEO: Becca Barnes ’18
Team: Sophie Goldstein ’18, Ryan McClennen ’18, Nick Hollingsworth ’20
Company: Bene-Fit
What is Bene-Fit?
Bene-Fit is an organization that connects families with kids with disabilities to qualified and affordable caregivers, including babysitters, nannies, ASL interpreters, and general aids. This company provides the ins-and-outs of home care that parent/guardians need at an affordable price (or for free!).
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO?
As a CEO, I have a great deal of previous experience as well as organizational, writing, and collaborative skills. For the last three years, I have worked with children with disabilities at places like the Perkins School for the Blind and Lovelane. During these experiences, I have seen parents become overwhelmed and stressed with balancing the work and taking care of their child.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself continuing to do what I love, which is working with children with disabilities. I also hope to put my organizational skills to good use in either medical or business school, helping to make the world a better place for people and/or other companies.
What three words do you want people to associate with Bene-Fit?
Safe, trustworthy, caring.
CEO: Jack Saperstone ’18
Team: Anna Kraft ’18, Jarred Houston ’18, and Jackson Greeley ’18
Company: On Par
What is On Par?
On Par is a company that offers a trackable golf ball. A common issue in amateur and beginner golf matches is lost balls – which is a waste of time, money, and strokes. Using RFID technology and a handheld, long range RFID tracker, my company offers a ball that you won’t lose! As a part of On Par, we also have a program called On Par Academy. On Par Academy hopes to team with pro golfers and golf equipment companies to run clinics at various Boys and Girls Clubs across the country. We hope to inspire children by giving them a role model and mentor.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO?
As CEO, I will bring my strong leadership skills, interest and knowledge of business, and technical skills to the On Par team. Our group is filled with people with diverse skills so I want to push and help my teammates do great work.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be working for a prominent tech startup in an engineering or management position.
What three words do you want people to associate with On Par?
Convenient, cheap, simple.
CEO: Mackenzie O’Gara ’18
Team: Tati Curran ’18, Dahlia Gordon ’18, Izzy Aronson ’18
Company: Penelope The Pain-O-Monster
What is Penelope The Pain-O-Monster?
Penelope The Pain-O-Monster is a plush toy that uses integrated pressure sensors to allow children to express their source and level of pain through play. There is an additional feature called “Fun Mode” that provides a distraction from pain and anxiety.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO?
I am a very good collaborator. I love working with others and listening to feedback, and I also view myself as a leader and I feel as though I am passionate about my work.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself with a career as an entrepreneur or working at a startup. I also hope to be happy and healthy
What three words fo you want people to associate with Penelope The Pain-O-Monster?
Useful, productive, change.
CEO: Evelyn Baranski ’18
Team: Craig Ackerman ’18, Teddy Coes ’20, Paige LaCava ’18
Company: HomeCure
What is HomeCure?
During the first three weeks of school, I had what seemed to be a permanent but minor cold. Over the course of these three weeks, I recognized a few different things; firstly, I found that sickness and a busy lifestyle do not mix, as it became difficult to produce quality work with a reduced well being. I discovered that, despite the persistence of my cold, my symptoms simply didn’t seem significant enough to receive medical attention. I ended up just waiting for the cold to pass.
With this in mind, I decided to create HomeCure to increase the health and productivity of everyday people. HomeCure is an app that conveniently coordinates visiting nurse practitioners to the user’s home to treat minor ailments or administer other medical services such as vaccines. I feel all consumers could truly benefit from the comfort and availability of these services, as I know I would have during my first three weeks of this school year.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO?
As a person, I strongly believe that honesty and constructive criticism are necessary for cultivating the most refined work. Since HomeCure is an idea I feel very passionate about, I am transparent with any feedback I share with my group. Likewise, I am able to take the suggestions of my team members, because I know perspective matters. My teams’ evaluations and opinions are important to me in developing our product. I think I am a strong leader because I am willing to allow change and encourage collaboration.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I try to live life to the fullest and test my boundaries each day. In 10 years, I see myself transcending my current comforts and pursuing each new opportunity presented to me.
What three words fo you want people to associate with HomeCure?
Health, convenience, efficiency.
CEO: Ellie Sabet ’20
Team: Dylan Curran ’18, Chris Preller ’19, Nick Mordan ’18
Company: Beacon
What is Beacon?
Beacon is an app for college students to easily help their friends who find themselves in a serious health risk from being overly intoxicated. The app will notify the appropriate health authorities anonymously based on the critical condition of the individual.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO?
Although I am a first-time entrepreneur and one of the youngest kids in my class, I bring youthful insight into this important problem. I believe I can foster an honest dialogue with fellow students about safety and drinking in college.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Outside of the company, I see myself traveling the world. With Beacon I see a few schools starting to use – and to love – the app.
What three words do you want people to associate with Beacon?
Helpful, needed, smart.
Check out student CEOs from past terms: