Franklin native wins Clarion University BizPitch Competition

From staff reports

Andrew Frederick, a senior majoring in management from Franklin, won the top prize with his business, AFC Signals!, in the first Clarion University BizPitch Competition held last week at Suites on Main North Movie Theater.

Frederick’s company provides hand-crafted, flush-mount turn signals for European motorcycles. Frederick plans to use the money to enhance his operations and expand his business.

The Clarion University BizPitch Competition is an educational experience that challenges students’ creativity and business skills.

Students enter as individuals or in teams of no more than four. The entrants present their five-minute pitch to a panel of judges.

BizPitch is open to part-time and full-time students enrolled in the fall semester at Clarion University.

The competition awarded $3,250 to four students for their business pitches. Prizes were $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place and a fan favorite award of $250. Eleven students competed for the final round and a chance to win cash prizes. Students from all majors were encouraged to participate.

Taylor Mahan, of Ohio, and Tatem Mielewski, of New York, junior accounting and human resources majors, won second place. Samantha Schlak, a junior accounting and finance major from Fairfield, won third place and fan favorite.

Students were assisted by the Clarion University Small Business Development Center in conjunction with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. The SBDC and ELC assist entrepreneurs and business owners by helping them develop the planning, management and financial skills necessary to make their business thrive.

The second BizPitch will take place in November 2019, with registration opening at the beginning of September.