JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND MARINE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION THROUGH ANNUAL COMPETITION
Marine Federal Credit Union and James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center have once again partnered to host Pitch It! Duplin, an exciting competition designed to highlight and support local entrepreneurship. This unique event provides participants with the opportunity to present innovative Duplin County business ideas to a panel of experienced business professionals for a chance to win start-up funding and valuable prizes.
In addition to the competition itself, participants benefit from eight weeks of personalized instruction, mentorship, and small business planning counseling through the REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship Active Learning) program. At the conclusion of the competition, prizes will be awarded as follows: first place will receive $3,000, second place $2,000, and third place $1,000.
Erica Bakion manages marketing and is the Community Outreach Specialist for Marine Federal Credit Union. She said,
“Every successful venture starts with someone willing to take a chance on their vision. You have already taken the first step. Your willingness to innovate and share your ideas strengthens not only your business but the entire community you serve. Be confident in the value you bring.”
Small Business Center Director Joy Wynne emphasized the impact of the program, stating, “Pitch It! Duplin continues to showcase the strength of entrepreneurship in our county. This year’s contestants bring a diverse range of small business concepts, and each has shown tremendous growth through eight weeks of REAL-Rural Entrepreneurship Active Learning. They have worked hard, developed strong business ideas, and are each well-positioned to compete for first place.” She also expressed appreciation for community support, adding, “We are grateful to Marine Federal Credit Union for its sponsorship and to the Wallace Chamber of Commerce and the Kenansville Chamber of Commerce for their support as we proudly host this competition for the second consecutive year.”
This year’s contestants include:
- Fransico Andres (Albertson) – Mobile Welding Services
- Bryan Bonilla Aguilera (Beulaville) – Lawn Care
- Angelica Santibanez (Beulaville) – Coffee Studio within a Community Center
Participants have shared how impactful the experience has been. Bryan Bonilla Aguilera noted, “Working with Mrs. Wynne has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much, and I am very thankful for all the wisdom she has shared with me.” Fransico Andres added, “Public speaking was a weak area for me coming into this experience, but ‘Pitch It!’ has really increased my confidence and helped me so much.” Angelica Santibanez highlighted the importance of support and planning, stating, “It’s so important to have a business plan and supportive people in your life to help you identify gaps in your model. ‘Pitch It!’ has been that support for me.”
Dr. Shannon Hair, JSCC President, said,
“Entrepreneurship is all about identifying opportunities, taking calculated risks by betting on yourself, and wanting to improve upon existing services by creating or expanding new goods or services. I experienced this belief first-hand this week at the recent Duplin “Pitch It” Competition at our West Park Campus. I was thrilled to watch a James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) Foundation donor and current JSCC student pitch their entrepreneurial ideas. Thank you to our local chambers, Marine Credit Union, and Joy Wynn, Small Business Development Center, JSCC, for your involvement, financial support, and commitment to these exciting business opportunities for Duplin County.”
The contestants will participate in a viewing party on June 9 on the James Sprunt Community College campus, followed by an awards presentation on June 25. James Sprunt Community College is proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by each participant and looks forward to seeing their business ventures thrive.
