Harris Wins Annual Business Plan Competition

Five teams of undergraduate students competed in the annual Belmont Student Business Plan Competition sponsored by Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC.  The event was held on March 16 in the Massey Boardroom.  Senior Jerell Harris won first place and earned $5,000 and the title of “Outstanding Student Entrepreneur of the Year” for his business plan for QuickMed, a medical waste management company whose primary service consists of collecting, transporting, and processing medical waste.

“The entrepreneurship program has helped me tremendously. I have learned how to listen to complaints within a market and develop products or services based on those criticisms. In addition, the course has taught me how to make necessary pivotal steps that will help my reach my growth targets. Above all, I have learned how to manage my company as it goes through various life cycles,” said Harris, who is studying entrepreneurship.

Jonathan Murrell and Moriah Nogoy took second place and $2,000 for their Candy Galaxy business plan. Julia Cecere earned $1,000 for Cool Candy & Beverage Company. Other finalists included George Livingston and Ian Raffalovich for Sweet Meat Jerky, Seth Whiting for Map My Views and Michelle Keil for Nava Salon. Each of the entries was for a real business venture that is currently operating or that is in the planning stages to be launched.  Numerous students submitted written plans and the top six were given the opportunity to present their ideas to a committee of judges consisting of Belmont Entrepreneurship Alums and business leaders from the Nashville community.

“This was by far the most competitive group of applications and finalists for the presentation that we have ever had in this event.  The outside judges were blown away by the work our students are doing,” said Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Jeff Cornwall.