A southeast Arkansas student was among winners of cash prizes following the finals of the 2024 Arkansas Tech University High School Business Challenge on March 28.
Second place in the individual competition and $250 was captured by Alaina Reeves of Rison High School for her idea “Gnome Home Farms,” according to a news release.
Participants were asked to develop a business start-up or expansion idea.
Two groups — Getaway Arcade of Dardanelle High School and Magic Moments of Russellville High School — tied for first place in the team competition. Both teams received $375. Getaway Arcade team members were Ashlee Loaeza, Faithlynn Metcalf and Maribel Tenango. Magic Moments team members were Matilyn Christopher and Shyisha Willis.
First place in the individual competition and $500 went to Christopher Brown of Russellville High School for his concept “River Valley Street Eats.”
Criteria for judging included the team’s or the individual’s business start-up or expansion idea, their presentation organization and structure, their marketing plan, the potential for profitability, their ability to address and obtain resources, their professionalism and their ability to provide quality answers to questions.
The competition was sponsored by Pope County Farm Bureau, Textbook Brokers and the ATU School of Business.