ConVerge December 2018 Newsletter

ConVerge Monthly: December 2018

Profit from insights on startups, innovation and business

In this month's newsletter:

Member Spotlight: Moe Mitchell Wins People's Choice Award at National Pitch Competition
Inaugural Women Entrepreneurship Conference: Video Highlights
Women's Business Roundtable
StartUP Business Booster Series Coming in February

Moe Mow's Lawn Care Wins People's Choice Award at National Student Pitch Competition

Last year, when North Central College junior found out through ConVerge about the Future Founders U.Pitch National College Elevator Pitch Competition & Showcase, he decided to check it out. Instantly, he knew that he wanted to pitch his business idea for Moe Mow's Lawn Care the next year.

On November 15, 2018, Moe competed as one of 18 semifinalists, chosen among the top collegiate entrepreneurs across the country. They convened at 1871, Chicago's Center for Technology & Entrepreneurship, where they showcased their businesses in an expo format, and delivered 90-second pitches for a portion of the $10,000 prize pool.

Moe won $250 of the prize pool, voted by the audience as the People's Choice Award.

"I pitched my tech lawn care business -- it's basically Uber for lawn care. Our mobile app streamlines the process for our crew, and makes it easy for customers to schedule, reschedule, and pay for services."

For Moe, the entire experience was invaluable. "It was great to network and share how we're disrupting and revolutionizing the lawn care industry."

Watch this video of Moe sharing his experience and how he will use the prize money.

Check out Moe Mow's Lawn Care website here.

More than 120 girls and women -- ranging from high school and college students with a business idea to founders and CEOs in the West Suburbs -- gathered on October 19, 2018 to attend the inaugural Women Entrepreneurship Conference at North Central College. Focusing on the theme, "Speak Up: The Power of the Woman's Voice in the World of Business," 10 entrepreneurship thought leaders in the West Suburbs taught attendees how to start and grow their own businesses.

Hosted by ConVerge, the college's Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the historic event contributes to the global movement founded by Montclair State University, Women Entrepreneurship Week.

"After attending the conference, I'm absolutely more confident," North Central student Alejandra Cavazos shared. "I've networked and have the basis to start my own business."

Women Entrepreneurship Week 2019 will be held in October 2019.

Click on the image above to watch video highlights, courtesy of Sunshine Video!

Every first Tuesday of the month, we welcome female entrepreneurs from various industries to join our Women's Business Roundtable at 9:30am. Whether you are in pre-startup or ready to grow your company, you will gain valuable insights, support, and networking with Naperville area/West Suburban entrepreneurship community.

This roundtable is free, but we ask that you register. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot now.

The new venue for the Women's Business Roundtable is:

School of Business Entrepreneurship Rm 246

40 N Brainard St, Naperville, IL

Save the Dates!

The ConVerge StartUP Business Booster Series, coordinated by Randy Micheletti of Incubate IP, will return in February with a new lineup of startup industry experts.

All workshops are Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm:

*February 5

*March 5

*April 2

*May 7

Business. Accelerated.

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