News Summary
The No Boundaries Startup Pitch Contest held in Aiken on April 23, 2025, highlighted the talents of young innovators and local entrepreneurs. Participants showcased innovative ideas, with young entrepreneur Maycie Moore winning a $500 scholarship, while Dr. Valencia Belle took first place and $10,000 for her educational startup, S.C.H.O.O.L.S. Other notable mentions included Garrett Stigall, who earned $3,000 for pool safety innovations, and CraftedCV, which received $2,000. The event emphasized community support and the entrepreneurial spirit in Aiken.
Aiken Shines Bright at the No Boundaries Startup Pitch Contest
On April 23, 2025, the vibrant city of Aiken hosted an exciting showcase of young talents and innovative businesses at the bustling No Boundaries Startup Pitch Contest. This gripping event was designed to support local entrepreneurs, and it truly did not disappoint!
Young Innovators Steal the Spotlight
Among the remarkable participants was Maycie Moore, a spirited 14-year-old student from Mead Hall Episcopal School. Maycie launched her jewelry business, MM Creations, back in 2022, and she has been dazzling audiences ever since. Her lineup includes stunning jewelry pieces and unique kindness-themed graphic shirts. At the contest, Maycie’s bright ideas were rewarded with a fantastic $500 scholarship for her creative business, highlighting that age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurial spirit.
Top Honors Go to Innovative Education Solutions
Stealing the first-place spotlight was Dr. Valencia Belle, the savvy CEO of S.C.H.O.O.L.S., who took home a whopping $10,000 prize. Dr. Belle’s innovative approach aims to make standardized test prep more affordable, helping students achieve their academic dreams without breaking the bank. With S.C.H.O.O.L.S. boasting impressive average score increases—from 5 to 10 points on the ACT, and 100 to 200 points on the SAT—it’s easy to see why the judges were impressed!
Pool Safety Innovations Make a Splash
Coming in second place, Garrett Stigall, co-founder of Pool Protection Technologies, was thrilled to accept a $3,000 check for his groundbreaking work in pool maintenance. His company developed S.A.M., a state-of-the-art device that harnesses ultrasonic technology to combat algae growth in pools. This ingenious invention reduces chemical use by an astounding 70%, which is great for both the environment and pool owners’ wallets!
CraftedCV and GreenCape Health Shine Bright
In third place, CraftedCV earned a respectable $2,000 award, showcasing their commitment to innovation. Meanwhile, GreenCape Health also made waves by snagging the top prize as the best Palmetto State-based business, landing them an impressive $5,000 South Carolina Research Authority prize. This recognition reflects Aiken’s growing reputation as a hub for groundbreaking startups and technology.
The Venue: An Inspirational Setting
The No Boundaries Startup Pitch Contest was strategically held at the Amentum Center for Performing Arts, creating an engaging atmosphere for all attendees. Prior to the pitches, a VIP breakfast was held at Newberry Hall, allowing connections to flourish and collaborations to blossom. This warm and inviting environment perfectly matched the innovative energy of the event.
Community Leaders Foster Entrepreneurial Growth
Event organizers included local business leaders such as Jim Tunison from the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Paul Newsom from VentureSouth Aiken, and Eric Parker from Make Startups. They all played pivotal roles in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Aiken, while Wells Fargo stepped up as the grand sponsor for this exhilarating contest.
A Celebration of Local Talent
The No Boundaries Startup Pitch Contest showcased a diverse array of participants, from individuals to businesses, all eager to share their ideas and contribute to Aiken’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Contestants displayed tremendous talent, innovation, and drive, each with their unique approach to making the world a better place.
According to the winners, the event truly reflected the spirit of collaboration within the community. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate local talent and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams. With enthusiasm and creativity buzzing in the air, Aiken has definitely set the stage for future business endeavors!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken Chamber of Contest Pitch Contest
- Aiken Standard: Aiken Chamber of Contest Pitch Contest
- Post and Courier: Today’s Events for April 26
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Startup
