ELITE GROUP BUSINESS COMPETITION:
Imhotep Institute Charter High School Takes First Place

Winning team members pictured with Angel Rodriguez, Executive Director: Gregory Maignan, Alisha Williams, Khasera Corinaldi, and Tonalaya Thompkins-Davis.

On May 28, 2008, eight teams of youth entrepreneurs presented their business plans to a panel of judges and a room full of competitors. One team after another delivered business presentations with great detail, research, and foresight stemming from their commitment over the previous four months. These teams represented the 2008 ELITE Group provided by Empowerment Group’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

ELITE Group teams are comprised of 2-10 members representing different Philadelphia high schools; teams meet weekly with an instructor from February through May and develop their own socially-responsible business idea and create a thorough business plan and PowerPoint presentation. The ELITE Group culminates in a day-long event where each group presents their business and competes for start-up funds. This year, Empowerment Group awarded $5,000 to the first place winner, $2,500 to second place, and $1,500 for third place.

ELITE teams were judged based on the features and benefits of their product or service, the depth of market research, marketing strategies to reach potential customers, a clear operating procedure including labor, facilities, and production, the financial potential and feasibility shown in a profit and loss statement, and the impact of the business on the community and the environment.

The grand prize was awarded to the Imhotep Institute Charter High School ELITE team for their business Youth Academic Mentors, an after-school tutoring and mentoring service. High school students will individually tutor children in grades 3-8 in core academic subjects. The winning team members are Gregory Maignan, Alisha Williams, Joseph Bishop, Khasera Corinaldi, Tonalaya Thompkins-Davis, and Kyesha Blume.

Second prize of $2,500 was awarded to the Science Leadership Academy ELITE team for their t-shirt business, Free Style Ts, which will create custom and bulk-order designs for their peers and their school. Free Style Ts owners are Shannel Ashby, Alex Cotellessa, Ashley Robinson, Troy Robinson, Ashirah Rollins, and Brian White.

Third place prize of $1,500 was awarded to Kiddie Katering, a children’s party planning service created by students at the Academy at Palumbo High School. The catering service will plan customized parties for children, and a wide variety of entertainment will be provided by the business owners themselves! Team members are Brandon Alston, Maria Bonfiglio, Saad Gilani, John Glenn, Katia Jimenez, Ricardo Johnson, Lance Legarte, Nancy Le, and Veronica Schad.

The remaining five ELITE group teams that were not awarded prizes still have the chance to receive start-up funds through our partnership with Youth Venture, a national organization providing funds to youth-led businesses. The remaining five teams include:

  • Nueva Esperanza Academy with Esperanza Café, a school café serving juices, coffee, and baked goods.
  • Bodine High School for International Affairs with Superior Study Tool for Schools, a study kit that makes learning fun and engaging for elementary school students.
  • Philadelphia Academy Charter with Uprise, a teen hang-out.
  • New Media Tech with Graffiti Remix, a t-shirt design company focused on urban styles.
  • Phillip Randolph Career Academy with Woman on Wheels, an errand service that makes deliveries via cargo tricycles.

Empowerment Group would like to thank the judging panel that volunteered their expertise, advice and time during the ELITE Group Final Competition:

  • Leanne Krueger-Braneky , Sustainable Business Network
  • Andrea Giles, Small Business Administration
  • Russell Snow, owner of VisuallyKool.com and Empowerment Group Graduate
  • Amie Montemurro, Youth Venture
  • Angelina Evans, ELITE Group Graduate