1st Place: Desirée Glaze, The Fan Club™
Five Rio Salado students were recently chosen as winners of the college’s Small Business Pitch contest. The contest was created for all Rio student entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a small business or who may already have one but would like to grow.
Students participating in the competition submitted videos pitching their business, sharing what they offer to the community, and describing how they would spend their award money.
Submissions were evaluated on the strength of the opening, clarity of the problem and solution, identification of the target market, explanation of the sales model, understanding of the competition, use of funds, and overall business viability.
The judging panel included: Shaniqua Hopkins, Rio Entrepreneur of the Year 2025; Gina Pinch, faculty chair, Business, Management, and Public Administration; Miguel Martinez, lead faculty, Risk Management and Insurance; Dr. Aaron Coe, associate dean, Strategy & Academic Affairs; Nicole Brown, adjunct faculty, Risk Management and Insurance; and Kamal I. Latham, CEO of GBM Global Solutions, LLC.
This year’s Small Business Pitch @ Rio was made possible by a National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Everyday Entrepreneur grant. In addition to the NACCE grants, an additional award for “Most Promising” pitch was generously sponsored by an anonymous donor who was inspired by the work of the students.
Congratulations to all the winners, who provided this information about their businesses:
1st Place - Desirée Glaze – The Fan Club ($2,000)
The Fan Club™ transforms a basic, practical item into a personal statement piece. We create custom, premium handheld fans that celebrate everyone and everything. Each fan is designed to reflect identity, personality, and occasion — blending fashion, function, and fun. “Winning this pitch competition feels like a beautiful reminder that playful ideas can turn into powerful businesses when you believe in them. I’m so grateful for this recognition and excited to keep building a company that brings good vibes, confidence, and a little sparkle wherever it goes in the new Fan Club 2026 year.”
2nd Place – Brandon Cole – Meaningful Causes Studios ($1,500)
Meaningful Causes Studios is a start-up creating a business model for small indie developers to create games to support non-profits. Our personal goal is aimed at bringing attention to meaningful causes. With every game we create, we will donate to a non-profit that’s on par with the message we are trying to portray through our work.
3rd Place – Sophie Welter – The Girl Store ($1,000)
The Girl Store is a business that puts people first, specifically women, operating a retail store focused on general merchandise that is targeted to women of all ages, as well as items that improve the quality of life.
4th Place – Shimar Russel – Beneficial Swaggz ($500)
Beneficial Swaggz sells quality wigs, bundles, and hair products that give people affordable options that still look and feel good.
Most Promising – Ayanna McBride – The BYOB Box ($250)
The BYOB Box offers 15 flavors of all-natural cocktail mixes that let customers “Be Your Own Bartender” at home. The BYOBlends Tea is a natural extension of that concept - providing refreshing, fruit-infused teas for customers who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Ready to Start Your Business? Join the Spring Sprint Competition
Rio Salado College, in partnership with NACCE, is helping students launch your business with the Spring StartUp Sprint. Five (5) participants will be selected to join the Spring StartUp Sprint! If selected, students will set up their LLC, register their Trade Name, apply for an EIN, and apply for their Sales Tax License in 30 days. The funding will reimburse the cost/fees for setting up these business elements. The Spring StartUp Sprint is open to all students (any major) currently enrolled in at least 3 credit hours. Learn more.