Slippery Rock University students are leading the way as forward-thinking achievers in entrepreneurship through opportunities like the Butler County Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Entrepreneurs Shark Tank Competition on April 28 at the RLA Learning and Conference Center in Cranberry Township.
Kasaundra Harvey, a senior dual marketing and dance major from New Castle (Laurel HS), and Daniel Spiker, a senior finance major from Fombell (Riverside HS), were the two finalists who pitched their business strategies to a panel of sharks in the Student Track category, winning the Fan Favorite and Judges’ Choice awards, respectively.
“If you have the drive and passion for something, do it and see it through,” Harvey said. “I never thought that it was possible for me as a 21-year-old to start a brand, but with Slippery Rock’s support, it’s becoming a reality quickly.”
Harvey pitched her business plan for Kind Kare Dancewear, brand of high-quality, affordable dance leotards.
“As a marketing and dance major, I’ve been buying dance products for years,” she said. “I saw there was a need in the market—a lot of the stylish leotards are very expensive and often not even feasible for many people to afford.”
Harvey’s interest in fashion design is inspired by her work as president of College Dress Relief, a student organization at SRU focused on sustainable fashion and lifestyle marketing.
Spiker pitched his business plan for Mine A Way, which monetizes off-peak, low-cost electricity by consuming power during periods when supply exceeds demand.
Both Spiker and Harvey won $500 from the Butler County Chamber for being finalists, along with $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively, from SRU and additional scholarships from donors.
The students were encouraged to participate in the competition by Jeananne Nicholls, professor of business at SRU, who serves on the chamber’s board of directors. Other SRU faculty and administrators attended the event, including SRU President Karen Riley and Prasad Vemala, dean of the Haverlack College of Business.
“Our students’ recognition at this inaugural Shark Tank competition is a powerful example of what happens when talent meets opportunity,” Vemala said. “We are proud to support students who are willing to think boldly and pursue innovative ideas. I commend the Butler Chamber for envisioning and launching a platform that strengthens entrepreneurship in our community and creates meaningful opportunities for emerging business leaders. Events like this elevate the entire regional ecosystem.”
More information about the finance program at SRU is available on the program’s webpage. More information about the Shark Tank Competition is available on the Butler County Chamber of Commerce’s website.
