Three growing entrepreneurs are ready to make their business a reality after becoming the first batch of students graduating from their Ignite Your Business -nine-week entrepreneurship course offered by the Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville at CEED. 

The graduating students; Alena Barosa, Dani Jacobs and Kimberly Frazier were honored with completion certificates for their time invested in the course which provided in-depth lessons on how to build their businesses from the idea to the actual execution. To commemorate the occasion, the students were also given the opportunity to pitch their ideas to be eligible for a $1,000 grant to be used for their business. 

Barosa and Jacobs presented their business ideas and plans to a panel of three judges which included Pat Nobles, Market President for Truist Bank, Heather Thompson from Heather Logistics and Audrey Hasslocher, Owner of Freebird Communications. 

Given a three minute time limit and able to include visual aids such as PowerPoints and their actual products, each was able to give an explanation of their business including their history, purpose and what they will offer. 

Alena Barosa gave the pitch for her business: the Barosa Learning Lab, a business created specifically to help cater to the educational needs of students with autism and advocate for the needs of those with autism through diagnostic support, academic advocacy, caregiver support, and community outreach opportunities and more. 

Barosa highlighted all aspects of her business including market research, her business model, business timeline from conception to the present and business strategy. 

The second graduate, Dani Jacobs presented her business The Hair Wall, handmade hairstylist aid devices targeted for braiders and others who work with large amounts of hair. Jacobs provided a breakdown of the potential market for her product, her business background, a progress report of her business including the number of products sold so far and an update on the supply available and the demand she’s facing along with a product demonstration. 

Following their presentations both students were able to answer business questions from those gathered including supporters, WBC leadership and educators from the course. 

Ultimately, the $1,000 grant was awarded to Dani Jacobs for the Hair Wall idea, of which she has sold nearly 100 units so far. She will also automatically be able to Pitch her idea again during the HER PITCH Competition during the upcoming HER Week in March 2024. 

Both students shared throughout the night that the concepts of business operations they were presenting were learned during the Ignite Your Business Cohort. 

The Cohort will be returning in January 2024. Classes will begin on Jan. 16 and will meet online every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. except for the eighth week, which will be in person at HER PITCH Competition.

Students will be able to participate in the HER PITCH competition for another opportunity to win a $1,000 grant to go towards their businesses. Additionally, just for the CO-HORT attendees, an extra competition will be available for another opportunity to win a grant. 

The launch price for the course is $149 and will be led by CEED staff who have been trained by the Small Business Administration. Every staff member has business experience ranging from ownership to banking. Learn more about the course here.