NWA Young Entrepreneurs Win 1st Place at Governor?s Cup

First place honors at the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup statewide business plan competition went to students from John Brown University and the University of Arkansas.

Candidates from 15 universities across the state created and submitted a comprehensive business plan for a seed, start-up or early stage venture that addressed the entire business concept, including implementation.

In the undergraduate category, John Brown University students Carine Netto, Emily Hornok, James Smith and Matt Nye won first place for Creatively Mine, an online store that allows young girls to design and customize outfits using an interactive, game-like Web site.

University of Arkansas graduate students Chris Elizer, Jared Greer, Jordan Greer and Bessie Williams took first place for Tears For Life, a medical diagnostic equipment company currently developing a non-invasive tear test kit that will be able to screen women for breast cancer using proteins found in their tears.

The first place teams were awarded $20,000 to be divided among the team members.

Out of 56 entries submitted, 25 finalists teams were invited to present their proposed companies to a panel of judges.

First and second place winners in both the graduate and undergraduate categories will move on the Tri-State Competition in Las Vegas on May 27.

The Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup is sponsored by the Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Capital Corp. Group.