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BizPitch 2023 a Huge Success

CSU's Turner College and StartUP Columbus, an entrepreneurial support organization located in Uptown Columbus, are happy to announce the 2023 BizPitch Columbus winners -- Britnee Wheeler of Rose Maternity Co. in the traditional category and Joseph Hamilton of 4 Second Football in the technology category. Each winner received a $15,000 grand prize. "This year we have winner's in both the technology sector and traditional entrepreneurship. By having two winners, we are able to embrace the diverse landscape of innovative businesses in the Columbus region, and celebrate the different paths and visions to entrepreneurship,” said Ben MacMinn, Executive Director of StartUP Columbus. Over 200 people attended this year’s BizPitch as the four finalists took the stage for seven-minute pitches to a five-judge panel. The event was also streamed on StartUP Columbus’ Facebook page for virtual viewers. As the pitches concluded, attendees were given the opportunity to cast votes for their favorite in the ‘People’s Choice’ category. Joseph Hamilton’s 4 Second Football won the 2023 BizPitch Columbus’ People’s Choice Award, taking home two total wins for the night. "Our finalists went through a rigorous selection process, completing four rounds of screening, two workshops, and a series of mentorship over the course of five months, and we are thrilled for the winners at this year's competition. As we look to next year, we are excited to see what new and innovative ventures will pitch their businesses," said MacMinn. Both runner-ups in this year’s two categories received $5,000 each toward their businesses. The annual BizPitch Columbus competition follows the format of popular television show “Shark Tank,” giving entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.
     The 4 Second Football is a psychological performance enhancement tool that provides real time data, and feedback for quarterbacks that will make them better players. The football collects live data about your throwing time and how it relates to important statistics. This allows coaches to optimize timing for players, encourage them to give more effort, and think smarter. Focusing on timing as a motivational factor in football will set your player or team apart as they will play and think faster. Hamilton, the founder of 4 Second Football, earned a BBA in business administration from the Turner College in 2012. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, the CSU Student Government Association, and the Turner College's chapter of the American Marketing Association. Rose Maternity Co. is an inclusive brand that provides expectant mothers with innovative postpartum products they need to feel comfortable and supported after delivery and beyond. Our signature RoseRelief™ Postpartum Undergarment is soft, washable, and has adjustable sides for customizable compression, providing optimal abdominal support; featuring a (patent pending) pocket to hold our elongated SoothingPetals™ Ice/Heat Gel pack that elevates discomfort comfort in the vaginal area. 

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