University of Baltimore business student Monique Reid and her company, Advanced Laboratory Services, won UB's 2015 Leonard and Phyllis Attman Competitive Business Prize, awarded during a special event held at the University on Nov. 17. Reid was one of six student and alumni finalists vying for the prize. Her winning business pitch was centered on providing concierge services to people who can't get to a lab for medical tests.
At the event, Reid, a junior entrepreneurship major, and her co-competitors described their business ideas before a live audience of more than 130, plus a panel of expert judges.
“When they announced my name as the winner, I was in shock,” said Reid. “This was the third business competition I entered with my business idea. I can attribute some of my success to my mentors, Thom Shipley and John Zuknick, who really helped me prepare for the Attman Prize. This time I was determined to improve my business plan and my presentation skills—to win.”
Reid will use her prize money for marketing collateral for the medical laboratory business that will provide concierge services to people who can't get to the lab. She hopes to open her lab in early 2016.
The Leonard and Phyllis Attman Competitive Business Prize provides seed funding for business ventures for University of Baltimore students and alumni. Now in its second year, and a highlight of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the competition is UB's version of the hit TV series, Shark Tank: Finalists competed for cash prizes—this year totaling $16,000 in cash and in-kind services, with the winnings providing seed funding for existing innovative business ventures.
In addition to Reid, This year’s finalists included:
- Gretchen LeGrand, representing her company, Changed Diapers. LeGrand is a Yale Gordon College of Arts and Science alumna. Changed Diapers is a diaper company on a mission: For every diaper bought, another is donated to a mother in need.
- Lisa Phillips, representing her company, Celeebrate Us. Phillips is an MBA student in the Merrick School of Business. Celeebrate Us is a full-service online gift basket company which also includes a "Build-A-Basket" workshop.
- Takia Ross, representing her company, Accessmatized. Ross is a Yale Gordon College of Arts and Science alumna. Accessmatized is a traveling make-up artistry service that provides professional and affordable on-location make-up services.
- Ryan Schuman, representing his company, Bubbleball MD. Schuman is an MBA student in the Merrick School of Business. BubbleBall MD is a bubble soccer rental company.
- Shane Yeager, representing his company, DC Visionaries. Yeager is a student in the Merrick School of Business and a UB Entrepreneurship Fellow. DC Visionaries is a digital creative company
