Congratulations to the Winners and Finalists in the #UES2016 Urban Challenge Competitions

This year, for the first time, the Urban Entrepreneurship Symposium included two competitions aimed at engaging entrepreneurs, students, and others in devising a business that would improve the quality of life in a city like Flint.  The Urban Infrastructure Challenge called for business innovation aimed at improving the infrastructure in Flint or a similar city.  The Urban Jobs Challenge called for businesses that would lead to a significant number of decent-paying entry-level jobs.  We received some outstanding entries in both of these competitions, even though participants had only thirty days to prepare and submit their presentations.  The participants in these competitions have shown through their creativity and dedication that, as John F. Kennedy once said, “Our problems are man made — therefore they can be solved by man.”

 

Urban Infrastructure Challenge Finalists

Finalists, L-R

• Ansgar Strother, Movatic — Winner
• Mikaela Strech, Biogasification
• Adarsh Rachmale, Fiber for Flint
• CityWater, Abess Makki

 

Urban Jobs Challenge Finalists

Finalists, L-R

• Sprout Flint – Bethany Blackburn
• Altrashonna Adams – Mommy Cakes
• Michelle Cardillo, Reinvent Flint — Winner
• Zechariah Keith, The Shelf