Entrepreneurs win cash prizes in LCCC competition

Alejandro Romero's nerves were evident as he stepped onto the stage of the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. It was the evening of Feb. 15, and the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition was in full swing. He believed in his idea, a novel blend of his passion for gardening and skills in welding, but presenting it to the panel of judges was a different challenge altogether.

The competition, part of the Everyday Entrepreneur Program and Fund, was not just a contest but a turning point in the lives of its participants. Romero, a 25-year-old Cheyenne native, had embarked on the journey somewhat unintentionally. During the pandemic, his simple act of helping neighbors with their gardens had morphed into a business idea. Recognizing the potential, he enrolled in LCCC's Welding Program to learn how to build houses and greenhouses from shipping containers, integrating this new skill into his burgeoning business.

"I just wanted to help people, but it ended up growing into a business," Romero said. His project, which started as a community service, had unexpectedly opened a pathway to entrepreneurship. "I never imagined I could support myself through this.”

Romero ended up walking away with the competition’s top award of $8,000 to help with his startup. But regardless of whether he’d win a cash award, Romero said it seemed like just giving his pitch was getting him on the right track. 

“I walked into the lobby and I didn't know if I had won any money,” Romero said. “But as soon as I walked out into that lobby, people were coming up to me saying, ‘I loved your pitch — I want you to build a greenhouse. I want your contact information.’ First place or not, I'm meeting new people, acquiring clients. I said to myself, ‘This is a good thing.’”

Kelsey Hardsocg, another participant in the competition, stood out with her unique idea. At 22, with an art degree and an entrepreneurship certificate from LCCC, she pitched “Art, Greens, and Coffee Beans.” Her concept was a creative fusion of a plant nursery, an art space and a coffee shop, aiming to create a community hub in Cheyenne. For Hardsocg, it all came as a part of a series of changes and realizations.

"I've always been passionate about art and plants," she said. "Blending these with a coffee shop felt like a perfect way to bring the community together." 

Her enthusiasm was evident as she spoke about her vision. She left the night with $6,000, tied for the second-most money awarded, helping to bring her dream closer to reality.

The Everyday Entrepreneur Program and Fund — a collaboration between LCCC, the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund — aims to support student entrepreneurs in bringing their innovative ideas to fruition. The program provides not just funding but also mentorship, education and access to a network of industry experts.

Eight unique pitches were presented, each a reflection of the diverse talent at LCCC. The judges, tasked with the challenging job of allocating the $32,000 prize fund, were looking for more than just business viability; they were looking for innovation, impact and the potential for growth.

Romero's and Hardsocg's pitches were among those that stood out for their originality and their alignment with the competition's ethos. 

The competition was a showcase of the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at LCCC. It highlighted how the college's entrepreneurship program is not just about teaching business skills but about nurturing and developing the whole entrepreneur. 

LCCC’s Entrepreneurship Program is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in starting and managing their own businesses. It covers a range of essential skills, including feasibility testing of business ideas, sales and branding techniques, creating business plans and digital strategies for online presence. Additionally, the program focuses on financial planning, business communications, marketing for small businesses, and is structured to be adaptable as either an add-on to other degrees or as a standalone certificate.

When Romero was in the Welding Program, instructor Sam Graham saw his blueprints for greenhouses in a welding assignment. Graham, knowing about Romero’s business idea, told his student about the Entrepreneurship Program, and strongly suggested he take advantage of the opportunity to bring his idea to fruition. 

“Sam told me, ‘This is your whole reason for being here; don’t miss this chance,’” Romero said. “It ended up being such a blessing to connect with those people and learn so much.”  

Hardsocg gave credit to LCCC art instructor Ron Medina for the impact his courses and guidance had on her understanding of art. Both Hardsocg and Romero said Minden Fox, LCCC marketing and business instructor, was a mentor who has helped them shape their potential. 

“There’s really nothing she can’t do,” Hardsocg said. “She could instill confidence in me and has been a huge influence in my success.” 

The journey for the entrepreneurs doesn’t end with the competition. The experience and the network they have gained through LCCC's entrepreneurship program will continue to guide them as they develop their businesses. Their success at the competition is just the beginning, a launchpad into a future where their entrepreneurial dreams are no longer just ideas but tangible realities.