Each fall, several teams of Ithaca College students are given the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs during the annual Rev: Ithaca Startup Works Demo Day for a share of $5,000.
Taking home the largest sum this fall was the team of Manny Candelario ’20 and Daniel Albertos ’21. Their apparel company ORnaked, partners with artists to design one-of-a-kind shirts and hoodies. By working with a variety of artists, they ensure that no two pieces are the same.
The duo was awarded $1,000 from the panel to help grow their company, which they said would go to a four-color press to speed up their production process and increase their creative potential.
The event was the first time Candelario and Albertos had pitched their company to others. Candelario admitted it wasn’t easy. “You have to keep looking at the clock and it was tough to explain our whole business in such a short time,” he said.
Still, the pitch was persuasive enough to cause the judges — among them alumni Pima Mbwana ’16, Jodi Denman ’88 and Trina VanAtta ’06 MBA ’14 — to award them the largest share of the available funds.
Instajob, which provides a way for individuals to access better jobs, took home $800, including both the audience choice and sustainability awards.