SJV HOSTS BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION

On January 8th, Saint John Vianney hosted a Business Pitch Competition. Teams from the following schools joined us:

- South River High School

- Holmdel High School

- Paterson Charter School for Science & Technology

- Bergen Catholic

We had an impressive group of judges, including:

- Dr. Jennifer Edmonds, Dean, School of Business and Digital Media, Georgian Court University.

- Mr. Matt Doherty, Vice President-Internal Audit, VillageMD.

- Mr. Steve Balog, Former Director of Research, Merrill Lynch and Lehmann Brothers

- Mr. Greg King, Former Development Officer for the Diocese of Trenton.

The competition was similar to an episode of "Shark Tank." Students had five minutes to present their ideas to the judges. The judges then had a three-minute question-and-answer period. The proposed business ideas were judged on criteria which included:

- Uniqueness

- Value

- Potential for Success

- The ability of the students to develop the business.

10 total teams competed. Bergen Catholic's "Stim Start Alarm Clock" placed 1st. This is an idea that forces the user to get up and exercise to turn off their alarm clock.

Saint John Vianney's "Clearview" tied for second with Holmdel's "Collegepedia. "Clearview" is a peel-off coating for football helmets that helps players' vision. "Collegepedia" is an app that compiles college admissions deadlines in a single location.

It was an exciting day for all of the students who competed!