Two Syracuse University Libraries Blackstone LaunchPad (LaunchPad) student startup teams advanced to the finals of the New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC), sponsored by Upstate Capital, held in Albany on April 25th. .
Motlani Oladitan ’24 (College of Arts and Sciences), left, founder of Tá Beautie, Natasha Burao ’22 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) ’23, ’24 (Whitman School of Management), founder of Shooka Sauce.
Natasha Brao '22, (College of Visual and Performing Arts), G'23, G'24 (Whitman School of Management), Founder of Shooka Sauce, 3-Award Winnerrd We're giving away $1,000 in prizes to food and agriculture trucks. Shoka Sauce is a Mediterranean spiced tomato sauce based on Shakshuka cuisine, inspired by the mixing and fusion of cultural flavors to encourage creative cooking.
Motolani Oladitan ’24 (College of Arts and Sciences), founder of Tá Beautie, won the $500 Concept Stage Award in the Software and Services category. Tá Beautie is a virtual marketplace that connects African beauty and wellness brands with the diaspora, making it easier for consumers to discover and purchase high-quality, authentic African products.
Five Launchpad student startup teams entered the 2024 New York Business Plan Competition. Other student teams advancing to the finals include Frank Marin ’24 (Marhold Space Systems), Adya Parida ’25 (Scale Sense), Dylan Bardsley ’26 and Mark Leaf ’27 (Clarity).
NYBPC brings together New York State's best student entrepreneurs. This competition promotes entrepreneurial opportunities for college students from across the state to pitch their business plans to experienced investors. You will also have the opportunity to interact with business leaders and judges. The final event connects students and business professionals, provides experiential learning opportunities through competitions, connects entrepreneurs with Entrepreneurship Expo resources, and awards up to $100,000 in prizes to help seed new ventures. .
