Union County Review

A Kean University student has emerged victorious in the university's recent Business Plan Competition, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas of aspiring young business leaders. Joceline Guerra, a senior management and business analytics student from Elizabeth, secured the $6,000 top prize in the Next Gen Innovators Track for her business concept, Elyon Activewear, aimed at offering sustainable high-tech activewear.

Expressing her gratitude, Guerra emphasized her vision for Elyon Activewear, stating, “I’m so grateful for this because I realize that I’m not the only one who sees a bright future for Elyon Activewear. I really want Elyon to grow, to be able to tell the story of how it started from scratch, how we competed, and how Kean University has been key for this success.”

Dean Jin Wang of Kean’s College of Business and Public Management highlighted the competition's focus on fostering innovation within communities, stating, “This year’s competition encouraged students to be innovators in their communities. It was an opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge, hone their entrepreneurial skills, and make a significant impact with their ideas.”

The event, hosted by Kean’s College of Business and Public Management, awarded a total of $25,000 to winning students across different categories. The competition included tracks such as the Next Gen Innovators Track, Community Roots Track, and a track for high school students, with participants from various institutions showcasing their entrepreneurial prowess.

Assistant Professor Ipek Kocoglu commended the diverse range of projects presented at the competition, noting, “The diverse array of projects this year not only demonstrates the innovative spirit of our students but also reinforces the vibrant entrepreneurial culture we nurture here at Kean.”

Assistant Professor Saran Nurse echoed the sentiment of pride and collaboration, stating, “We are immensely proud of the collaborative spirit and hard work everyone brought to this year's competition.”

Moving forward, the student entrepreneurs will engage in a mentorship program during the summer to further refine and implement their business ideas, showcasing Kean University's commitment to empowering the next generation of business leaders.