LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS TURN INNOVATIVE IDEAS INTO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH MENTORSHIP, TRAINING, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center recently celebrated another successful year of Pitch It! Duplin, an entrepreneurial business pitch competition designed to help aspiring business owners transform innovative ideas into thriving local businesses.
Made possible through the generous support of Marine Federal Credit Union, Wallace Chamber of Commerce, Kenansville Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Center Network, and the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the competition provided local entrepreneurs with valuable training, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete for startup funding.
Following eight weeks of intensive business development through the REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) program, participants received personalized instruction, one-on-one mentoring, and business planning assistance. The program concluded with entrepreneurs presenting their business concepts in a Shark Tank-style competition before a panel of experienced business leaders, who provided valuable feedback and evaluated each business based on innovation, feasibility, and growth potential.
The 2026 Pitch It! Duplin winners are:
First Place
Francisco Andres of Albertson — Mobile Welding Services
- $3,000 cash prize provided by Marine Federal Credit Union
- $2,500 cash prize provided by the Wallace Chamber of Commerce
Second Place
Angelica Santibanez of Beulaville — Coffee Studio within a Community Center
- $2,000 cash prize provided by Marine Federal Credit Union
Third Place
Bryan Bonilla Aguilera of Beulaville — Lawn Care Services
- $1,000 cash prize provided by Marine Federal Credit Union
Joy Wynne, Director of the Small Business Center and Dean of Continuing Education/WestPark, praised the dedication of this year’s participants.
The James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center proudly congratulates all participants in this year’s Pitch It! Duplin competition. Since January, these entrepreneurs have dedicated themselves to strengthening their businesses through coaching, education, and hard work. They have refined their ideas, built stronger business foundations, and positioned themselves to be fundable, sustainable, and successful. We are incredibly proud of their commitment, resilience, and the positive impact they are already making in our community. While awards recognize achievement, every participant leaves this program better prepared for long-term success.”
James Sprunt Community College President Dr. Shannon Hair emphasized the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and community partnerships.
Entrepreneurial spirit is about seeing possibilities where others see obstacles and having the courage to turn ideas into action. The contestants in this year’s Pitch It! Duplin competition embody the innovation, determination, and vision that help communities grow and thrive. On behalf of James Sprunt Community College, I extend our sincere appreciation to our partners, sponsors, and supporters whose investment in these entrepreneurs helps cultivate opportunity, strengthen our local economy, and inspire the next generation of business leaders.”
The success of Pitch It! Duplin reflects the shared commitment of James Sprunt Community College and its community partners to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development throughout Duplin County. Through financial support, mentorship, and educational resources, these organizations continue to empower aspiring business owners with the tools needed to launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
Erica Bakion serves as the Community Outreach Specialist for Marine Federal Credit Union. Bakion said,
Success begins with a vision and the courage to Pitch It to those who can help bring it to life. The entrepreneurial vision and hard work of these contestants are helping shape the future of Duplin County. Congratulations on a well-deserved and incredible achievement! Marine Federal Credit Union is rooting for you and here to support your success.”
Although the 2026 Pitch It! Duplin competition has concluded, the James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center remains a valuable resource for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. JSCC’s SBC offers free confidential business counseling, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and guidance for every stage of business development.
Visit https://jamessprunt.edu/workforce-development/small-business-center/ for more information about the James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center and its free resources for entrepreneurs.
