VCU Business students pitch social ventures in new Ventures with Values competition
By Megan Nash
Can a camera bag do more than carry lenses? Could polluted rivers become the source of art and furniture?
These were just a few of the ideas presented during the VCU School of Business’ inaugural Ventures with Values Pitch Competition, which challenged students to pitch social and environmentally impactful business concepts–all in just 60 seconds.
Held on Nov. 20 at the School of Business, the competition showcased a range of innovative ideas–from empowering immigrant chefs to cleaning rivers in India and China. Organized by the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship and sponsored by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Richmond, the event awarded $500 in prizes, with the top prize going to a custom camera bag designed to address photographers’ needs.
Sophomore photography student Spencer Strebe (B.F.A. ’27) claimed first place and $250 for his venture. Frustrated with existing products, Strebe decided to create his own.
“A couple of years ago, I realized there was always something wrong with the bags I used,” said Strebe. “So, I figured I could design one that actually works.”
He started from scratch, teaching himself basic skills with help from his father, who showed him how to sew. The project, which evolved during his Venture 300 course at the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, became a semester-long commitment.
“The competition helped me consolidate my vision and commit to a specific design,” he said.
Participants had just one minute to make their case before a panel of judges, testing their ability to deliver concise, compelling pitches.
Second-place winner Arnaldo Mirabal (B.S. ’24), a senior studying business management, pitched a solution for river pollution by transforming collected waste into art and furniture.
“Being able to pitch a venture in just a minute is challenging,” said Mirabal. “You have to be very clear so they understand it.”
Third-place winner Youssef Khachab (B.S. ’25), a marketing major, presented a platform to provide paid teaching opportunities for immigrant chefs.
“They get paid, and they’re giving back to their families,” said Khachab.
The event drew students from across disciplines, including the arts. This interdisciplinary participation reflects a growing interest in socially conscious entrepreneurship, said Associate Professor Blakley Davis, Ph.D., who helped spearhead the event.
“We’ve seen an increasing number of students wanting to address societal and environmental challenges,” said Davis. “This competition is about building a sense of community and helping students bring their ideas to life.”
The School of Business plans to alternate the Ventures with Values competition with a for-profit pitch contest, providing year-round opportunities for students to present their ideas.
“Students have a chance to connect with peers, get feedback from seasoned judges and maybe even inspire real change,” Davis added.
To learn more about the Ventures with Values Pitch Competition and upcoming opportunities at the VCU School of Business, visit business.vcu.edu or contact the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship.
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