2023 Competition Results

On April 25th, 2023, Bowie State University, in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, held its yearly Bulldog Pitch Competition, featuring $30,000 in prizes for entrepreneurial students. Participants were required to submit a summary of their business idea prior to the competition, and after an extensive vetting period, the top six entries were selected to move on to the final round. 

The final round of the competition was held in front of a live audience at the Dionne Warwick Theatre in Bowie State’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. Each participant had five minutes to present their business idea and answer questions from the panel of judges. The judges evaluated each pitch based on factors such as creativity, feasibility, and potential impact on the community. The 6 finalists included: 

• Johnathan Gorum, Jared Kouadio, Nicholas Williams, & Kaleb Rawlings - ENO Entertainment
• Arianna Redmond - Tony’s Kitchen & Bakery
• Adeyinka Shokoya-Eleshin, Joy Olivia-Udah, & Gbemisola Okatta - Luxe Hair
• Adeola Ibitogbe - US EDU Consultation
• William Kent & Jazmyn Brown-Washington - Cheek Seat
• Lauren Kelly- The TrillestDollHouse Mobile

The grand prize winner was Lauren Kelly with “The Trillest Dollhouse Mobile”: A mobile beauty salon designed to provide haircare services and educational resources focused on the integrity of one’s natural features. 

The second place was awarded to Adeyinka Shokoya-Eleshin, Joy Olivia-Udah, & Gbemisola Okatta, creators of Luxe Hair; a luxury hair line focused on creating customized wigs for each individual client. 

The third place was awarded to Arianna Redmond with Tony’s Kitchen & Bakery, an "all in one" baking shop. 

The crowd favourites, Johnathan Gorum, Jared Kouadio, Nicholas Williams, & Kaleb Rawlings with ENO Entertainment, a comprehensive Media Company with several branches, including a Music Label, Production, and Brand Development.

The Bulldog Pitch Competition has become a highlight of the university's entrepreneurship program, providing students with a valuable opportunity to develop their business skills and network with industry professionals. With the impressive prize money available, this competition has motivated many students to develop creative and impactful business ideas that can benefit not only themselves, but also their communities and the wider world.