Preparing Tomorrow's Innovators: Seton Hall and GNEC's 2024 Summer Entrepreneurship Institute Equips Students for College and Career Success

Seton Hall University, in collaboration with the Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation (GNEC), successfully hosted the 2024 Summer Entrepreneurship Institute, bringing together 30 high school students from 12 area schools. Over the course of two weeks, these aspiring entrepreneurs engaged in intensive training and mentorship, culminating in an exciting showcase and pitch competition where students presented their innovative business ideas to the broader community.

This year, Wells Fargo proudly returned as the corporate sponsor for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to fostering small business growth and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. "Wells Fargo is honored to continue supporting the Summer Entrepreneurship Institute," said Tomas Porturas, Senior Community Impact & Sustainability Specialist at Wells Fargo. "These students are not just crafting their futures; they are also addressing societal challenges and contributing to the economic vitality of northern New Jersey. They are true change agents, and we eagerly anticipate their future successes." 

Throughout the program, students developed and refined their business concepts, working collaboratively in teams. The program's grand finale was the pitch competition, where students presented their ideas to an audience of pitch day guests who had the opportunity to fictionally invest in the most promising ventures.

"The GNEC-Seton Hall Summer Entrepreneurship Institute was an incredibly dynamic experience that provided students with technical training and practical, hands-on learning," said Elizabeth Halpin, vice dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and Undergraduate Director of the Buccino Leadership Institute. "Witnessing these young leaders in action is truly inspiring. Their innovative thinking and collaborative spirit assure us that they will make significant contributions to their communities and beyond."

The competition awarded cash prizes to the three teams that garnered the highest level of interest from pitch day attendees, with prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500. Additionally, all students who completed the coursework received a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their hard work and dedication.

Salama, adjunct faculty and Executive Director of GNEC, emphasized the importance of early investment in youth entrepreneurship. "At GNEC, we believe that supporting young entrepreneurs is crucial to building economically stable businesses and closing the funding gap in underserved communities. Providing resources and capital to businesses in underbanked and underserved areas is essential, and this program is a vital first step in achieving that goal."

The top prizes were awarded to teams with innovative and impactful business ideas, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of these young participants.

First place and a prize of $1,000 went to Eco Architectural Developments, a home improvement company that allows homeowners to allocate a percentage of their costs to build tiny homes for the homeless. The winning team members were Ayanna Jacobs (West Orange High School), Taina Gonzalo (Passaic County Technical Institute), Tatianna Williams (KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy), Stephanie Sanchez (Governor Livingston High School), and Shamiya Walker (Malcolm X Shabazz High School).

Second place and $750 were awarded to Spiral, a customizable parental control app for mobile devices. The team included Korenn Edge (Newark Vocational High School), Grant Ziegler (Westfield High School), Matao Ford (Wolmers High School for Boys), and Caden Smalls (Central High School).

Third place went to Focus Care, an advanced device designed to help the elderly as well as patients with dementia to manage their medications. The team members were Joanne Rajasekar (North Brunswick Township High School), Hrishi Karnad, and Kudus Lawal (Newark Central High School).

The event highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators, who are poised to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. 

The 2025 Summer Entrepreneurship Institute is scheduled to run July 7-17. 

Categories: Business