A University of Baltimore alumnus and two UB students were the winners of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s fourth annual “Rise to the Challenge” Pitch Competition, an opportunity to show off new ideas and concepts for businesses before an audience of consumers and entrepreneurial experts. The event, held on April 21, featured presentations by seven finalists, each aiming for prize money and support to launch or grow their businesses.

The 2016 Rise to the Challenge winners were:

• Jaminson Rodriguez, junior in the Merrick School of Business, for Specialty Auto Parts, a new service to ship parts or export complete cars from companies or private sellers who are neglecting the international market. Rodriguez won $500 in cash and more than $1,200 from the 2016 Rise to the Challenge

• Takia Ross, B.A. ’11, for Accessmatized, an in-home professional and affordable make-up service company. Ross, who started Accessmatized in 2013, won $2,500 in cash and more than $1,200 for in-kind services in the category of “Existing Business.”

• Ryan Schuman, University of Baltimore MBA candidate, for BubbleballMD, a full-service operator of bubble soccer in the mid-Atlantic region, available for party rentals, corporate functions and school events. Schuman won $250 in cash and $1,200 for in-kind services in the category of “Existing Business/Crowd Favorite Winner.”

Learn more about the Rise to the Challenge competition.