BVU Students Shine at The Citizens 1st National Bank Pitch Competition
Sponsored by The Citizens 1st National Bank, the event welcomed standout student entrepreneurs from the university’s recent Degen Pitch Competition to present their startup or business ideas to a panel of community and industry leaders.
Buena Vista University’s Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship celebrated the innovation and ambition of its student entrepreneurs during The Citizens 1st National Bank Pitch Competition, held Thursday, April 3, on the BVU campus.
Sponsored by The Citizens 1st National Bank, the event welcomed standout student entrepreneurs from the university’s recent Degen Pitch Competition to present their startup or business ideas to a panel of community and industry leaders. Serving as judges for the competition were John Hopley, Business Development Officer at The Citizens 1st National Bank; Becki Drahota, CEO and Founder of Mills Marketing and a member of the BVU Board of Trustees; and Laura Hanks, Executive Director of Storm Lake United.
“We are thrilled to be sponsoring The Citizens 1st National Bank Startup Pitch Competition and supporting the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs,” said John Hopley. “This event is a celebration of creativity, ambition, and the drive to turn ideas into reality. It’s inspiring to witness the bold ideas and business potential emerging from BVU students.”
The competition’s top prize of $2,000 was awarded to Cody Fuller for his pitch of Fuller Radiance, which
specializes in producing customized gift items, including 3D-printed lampshades, fidget toys, and centerpieces. Josiah and Jadyn Welch, co-founders of Welch Highlights, a marketing and branding business, earned second place and $1,000. Alyssa Jordan secured third place and a $500 prize for her business Outskirts Acres, a proposed event center for weddings, proms, and community events. Kylie Trappe took home fourth place and a $400 prize for her business Dove and Oak, which focuses on furniture refinishing.
Student entrepreneurs shared how the competition helped shape their business vision and professional growth. “The competition was an amazing experience, and we had a very esteemed panel of judges who gave us thoughtful feedback and questions that made us think critically about our ideas,” said Cody Fuller. “This has been a very impactful experience for me and my peers, and it fosters a great community of entrepreneurs here at BVU.” Kylie Trappe echoed that sentiment, adding, “This is a great opportunity for all of us to pitch our ideas and network. Thank you to BVU for doing this and to The Citizens 1st Bank for investing in our businesses.”
The Citizens 1st National Bank Pitch Competition is part of BVU’s broader commitment to experiential learning through the LCRE. By offering mentorship, resources, and real-world platforms, BVU empowers students to pursue their ambitions and develop the skills needed to be successful and make a lasting impact.
For more information about The Citizens 1st National Bank Pitch Competition, please contact Megan Ogren at ogrenm@bvu.edu or at 609-915-5705. To learn more about the LCRE, visit bvu.edu/lcre.