Young Entrepreneurs Compete at GBN Pitch Night

Innovation, commitment, and professional polish were all on display at the 10th Annual GBN Startup Entrepreneurship Incubator Pitch Night competition on April 23. Four student companies presented their products and business models in a “Shark Tank” style competition judged by local business leaders. The winning business Always Oak received an Emerging Entrepreneur membership in the Chamber, and will be invited to exhibit at the Annual Business Expo in July.

Pitch Night is the culmination of a full-year entrepreneurship class, in which student teams develop and market real-world microbusinesses. Guided by volunteer mentors and course instructor Mindy Ingersoll, students identify a need in the marketplace, conceptualize a product to fill that need, and then develop a business plan to refine, manufacture, and market the product. Products included one-of-a-kind toiletry bags made from upcycled clothing waste fabric; flavorful, nutritious, and portable natural pureed foods for individuals with chewing difficulties; durable, adjustable clothing hangers; and an online membership service providing hair care guidance for men.

David Hochberg, Team Hochberg, has volunteered with the program for 10 years and served this year as a judge on the Advisory Board. He notes that the program develops vital skills for the young entrepreneurs: “The students learn how to work together and communicate with each other to overcome the many obstacles every entrepreneur experiences when starting a business,” says David. “They also learn the power of constructive criticism during the process, implementing feedback from the advisory group, their teacher Ms. Ingersoll, their mentor, and the other experts that volunteered their time and made recommendations, to bring their product to market.”

Eight teams made their sales presentations to the advisory board at the beginning of April, and four teams were selected to make their final pitch at the Northbrook Public Library in front of friends, family, and members of the community. The top scoring team, toiletry bag manufacturer Always Oak, explained their inspiration to reduce waste from fast fashion “one bag at a time.”  Their bags are always "OAK" - one-of-a-kind. Team members each received a $500 scholarship in addition to Chamber membership. They will be interviewed on David Hochberg’s WGN-AM 720 radio show on Saturday, May 2 at 12:00 p.m.

“The four final teams all did an amazing job presenting their products, their marketing plans and sharing what they learned most during the class," says David Hochberg. "Always Oak separated themselves from the other three teams due to the number of units they sold and their vision to grow their company in the future.”

The Northbrook Chamber’s Emerging Entrepreneur membership program allows young business creators ages 13-20 to take advantage of marketing, networking and education benefits. “We’re excited about our partnership with Glenbrook North’s business education department in supporting these amazing young entrepreneurs,” says Kathi Quinn, Chamber President. “The creativity and hard work demonstrates the great potential they have for future success.”