The Regions Center Auditorium in Birmingham recently had the reality-television treatment.
No makeovers. No nightmares or elimination challenges. Just student-athletes vying for awards in a first-of-its-kind competition for their homegrown business ideas.
In late June, the auditorium transformed into a studio and welcomed a production crew from the SEC Network, as well as student-athlete competitors and Regions representatives.
SEC Start Up: A Student-Athlete Pitch Competition
The inaugural SEC Start Up: A Student-Athlete Pitch Competition highlights the innovative businesses created by SEC student-athletes. The competition is an expansion of the SEC’s existing programming in support of student entrepreneurship and provides additional exposure and education for students.
The new pitch competition – which features student-athletes from four different SEC-member schools delivering business pitches for their existing businesses – is a career development program in partnership with Regions. Judges for the competition include Leroy Abrahams, Regions’ head of Community Affairs.
Judges for the SEC Start Up Competition: Daymeon Fishback, SEC Network Analyst and Financial Advisor; Hunter Bell, Owner and Founder of Hunter Bell, a contemporary women’s fashion brand; and Leroy Abrahams, head of Regions Community Engagement.
Watch the Inaugural Competition
The shows air on SEC Network on Monday, July 15 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT.
That time slot is in the middle of SEC Media Days, which is also presented by Regions. It will be happening in Dallas for the first time, as the SEC welcomes new members: the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma.
In preparing for the event, student-athletes developed pitches with assistance from faculty and staff on their respective campuses. In addition to gaining entrepreneurial training, the event provided a unique opportunity to network with Regions executives as well as other industry professionals and entrepreneurs.
SEC Analyst Jordan Rogers (left) serves as the host of the inaugural SEC Start Up.
The 2024 SEC Start Up participants include:
- Accel Golf
- Ami Gianchandani and Ashley-Sinclair Curtis, Auburn University, Women’s Golf
- Accel Golf empowers players and coaches with tools to effectively diagnose strengths and weaknesses to practice more efficiently.
- The Digital Athlete
- Allison Tanner and David Edmonson, Auburn University, Track and Field
- The Digital Athlete is a platform that empowers athletes to take control of their health and performance using data-driven wearables and artificial intelligence.
- ECO Reuse
- Michael Moriarty, University of Missouri, Track and Field
- EcoReuse transforms old and discarded furniture into stunning, refreshed pieces while offering pickup and move out services.
- Leanne Wong Bowtique
- Leanne Wong, University of Florida, Gymnastics
- Leanne Wong Bowtique began with selling signature and handmade hair bows and has now expanded to gymnastics leotards and apparel.
- Side Coach Sports
- Luke Carrell, University of Oklahoma, Baseball
- Side Coach Sports bridges the gap between college athletes eager to provide lessons and youth athletes seeking valuable guidance with a streamlined system for scheduling.
Watch for coverage of the winner and more coming soon!