Three Ivy Tech Community College students in the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation have won awards at the college’s annual Entrepreneurship Expo. Funding for the awards was provided by the event’s sponsor, Banterra Bank.
Rylie Schelb, of Newburgh, won the grand prize award of $1,750 for her business development of “Mobile Metals” – Evansville’s first mobile piercing studio, providing convenient, on-location services. The business prioritizes honesty, high-quality nickel-free jewelry, and sterile piercing procedures to ensure a safe and professional experience.
Second place award of $1,000 was presented to Makayla McCool, of Evansville for her business, “The Drink Station.” The Drink Station is a mobile beverage trailer delivering customizable drinks on the go. Offerings include iced coffees, refreshing lemonades, and energy-based “dirty” drinks, designed to provide quick service and a fun, engaging experience at local events, schools, and businesses.
Third place was awarded to Rosa Ramirez, of Evansville. Her $500 award will go toward her company, “Spanish to English Language Services.” This translation service provides professional interpreting and translation services with a focus on legal, medical, business, and nonprofit sectors.
The annual event was held on April 30 and featured all students in Ivy Tech’s program, along with high school students from EVSC’s New Tech Institute Entrepreneurship Academy.
The Entrepreneurship Program at Ivy Tech is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing business landscape. The program is structured to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, encouraging students to develop unique business ideas and solutions. With a focus on practical aspects of entrepreneurship, it aims to prepare students for the real-world challenges of starting and managing a business.
Ivy Tech’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program is now enrolling for fall classes, which begin Aug. 24. Fill out the interest form at this link: https://link.ivytech.edu/EntreInterest in order to receive more information about enrolling or contact Chris Johnson, networking development manager, at cjohnson228@ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
