Students Win Funds for Business Ventures

Nine students walked away with a total of $2,500 to help launch their ventures during a special investor panel held at Snellville City Hall on May 8, 2012.

A six-person community investor panel heard the students pitches in a contest much like the hit TV show "Shark Tank." The students are part of the South Gwinnett High School Entrepreneurship Alliance.

Students gave a five-minute pitch, and then investors spent another five minutes asking hard-hitting questions of the students. Questions centered on long-term goals and growth of their businesses. The panel consisted of local business people, including Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts.

The big winner for the day was Jon Gayden, whose business, IpodResQ, a personal electronics repair service won $500, and the Investors’ Choice Award of $100. This funding will be used for purchasing materials to fix damaged smartphones.

Another business that did well was Khoobsurat Kreations, a henna tattoo and eyebrow threading salon, which won $400 to grow their already successful business.

About the South Gwinnett High School Entrepreneurship Alliance:

The l Entrepreneurship Alliance is a program created from a partnership between South Gwinnett High School and the , with the joint goal of educating Snellville’s next workforce in entrepreneurship education, while creating new employment opportunities for the community.

About the city of Snellville:

The is a leader in encouraging entrepreneurs in Gwinnett County. In addition to the high school program, the city coordinates the Snellville Entrepreneur Council, to assist small and start-up businesses. In June, the city will unveil a new website designed to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to start, sustain, and grow a business.

For more information, contact Eric Van Otteren at (770) 985-3502. Or email economicdevelopment@snellville.org.

(Editor's Note: This article is taken from a press release from the city of Snellville's economic development department.)