Ignite Portsmouth 2025 Pitch Competition Showcases Local Entrepreneurial Excellence

The Kricker Innovation Hub at Shawnee State University celebrated the culmination of its flagship Ignite Portsmouth program on June 25th. The pitch competition marked the finale of an intensive 8-week journey, where 14 ambitious entrepreneurs presented their business ventures to a distinguished panel of judges, competing for $10,000 in startup funding and support.


Celebrating Success: Top Winners

 
 

Ignite Portsmouth’s first-place honor and $5,000 prize was awarded to Liz Pratt for DJ Geek Techneek, a mobile DJ and MC service poised to transform Portsmouth's entertainment landscape. Pratt's vision for bringing professional audio services and dynamic entertainment to local events resonated strongly with both judges and audience members.

 
 

Securing second place and $3,000 in funding, Olivia Brabson's Fair Nest Rentals addressed a critical community need by focusing on accessible Section 8 housing solutions. Brabson's business model demonstrates how entrepreneurship can directly impact social challenges while maintaining sustainable business practices.

 
 

Michelle Martin's Revival Books claimed the third-place prize of $2,000, with her compelling vision for a community-centered bookstore. Martin's concept goes beyond traditional retail, promising to create a cultural hub that will enrich Portsmouth's literary landscape.

Innovation Across Industries

The competition showcased an impressive diversity of business concepts from all fourteen participants:

Expert Guidance: Distinguished Judge Panel

The competition benefited from the expertise of an esteemed panel of judges:

  • Maria Daniels, Founder and CEO of Reset Business Consulting, bringing extensive entrepreneurial insight

  • Adam Miller, Dean of SSU College of Business and Engineering Technology, offering academic and practical business expertise

  • Meridith Brankamp, Director of North American Supply Chain at Coca Cola Company, providing global business perspective

  • Brady Carter, Partner and AI Integration Specialist at Innovative Consulting, representing cutting-edge technology integration

Community Support and Partnership

Thanks to the generous support of the ECDI Women's Business Center of Central Appalachia at SSU and GoDaddy, each participant received $500 in seed funding, ensuring that every entrepreneur left with resources to advance their business dreams.

The success of Ignite Portsmouth 2025 was made possible through strong community partnerships, including:

  • The City of Portsmouth

  • Scioto Law LLC

  • Imagine Design

  • ECDI Women's Business Center of Central Appalachia at SSU

  • The REPOWER program

  • The Appalachian Regional Commission

Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The Ignite Portsmouth program represents more than just a competition; it's a catalyst for economic development and community growth. Over eight weeks, participants received comprehensive entrepreneurship education, mentoring from experienced business leaders, and invaluable networking opportunities.

"The level of innovation and determination displayed by this year's cohort is truly inspiring," notes Derrick C. Parker, Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator at the Kricker Innovation Hub. "These entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they're contributing to Portsmouth's economic revitalization and creating opportunities for our community."

Looking Forward

The success of the 2025 pitch competition demonstrates the growing strength of Portsmouth's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each participant, whether a prize winner or not, has contributed to the region's economic fabric and stands poised to make meaningful impacts in their respective industries.

The diversity of business concepts presented - from technology services to wellness solutions, retail innovations to community support services - showcases the breadth of entrepreneurial potential in our region. These ventures promise to create jobs, fill market gaps, and enhance the quality of life in Portsmouth and surrounding areas.

Kricker Innovation Hub