Bloomington, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington recently celebrated innovation, creativity, and small business growth during its fall 2025 Duke it Out Pitch Competition. The event brought together 15 entrepreneurship students eager to showcase their business ideas, with six of them competing for a total of $2,700 in cash prizes designed to help launch or expand their ventures. The lively competition highlighted not only the talents of the students but also the support network that has grown around Ivy Tech’s entrepreneurship program.
Taking home the top prize of $1,250 was Alex Moffitt, owner of Suite Hair-Do, an inclusive salon that emphasizes personalized haircare while empowering clients through self-expression. Moffitt’s presentation impressed the judges with a mix of creativity, practicality, and a clear vision for growth.
“The entrepreneurship program at Ivy Tech helped me learn how to run my business in the most effective and sustainable way, giving me the tools to take Suite Hair-Do to the next level,” Moffitt said. “It has also provided me with a supportive community I can lean on for years to come.”
Second place and $750 went to Hunter Smith, owner of Capped, a unique accessory designed for car tires. Smith is currently pursuing a patent for his product, which he hopes will expand into regional and national markets. Smith’s pitch combined innovation with a clear plan for commercialization, demonstrating the entrepreneurial skills the program seeks to foster.
Third place and $500 were awarded to Keller Wason, owner of Keller Does Hair, a hairstylist preparing to open a salon that uses exclusively non-toxic products. Wason’s commitment to sustainable, safe beauty solutions resonated with both the judges and the audience, highlighting the growing demand for eco-conscious businesses.
The competition also included a fan favorite component, with students, alumni, and community members voting for their preferred pitches. Hunter Smith and Anthony Reynolds, artist and barber behind AntBeKuttin, each won $100 for receiving the most audience votes. Their businesses showed a combination of innovation and community engagement, a hallmark of Ivy Tech’s entrepreneurship program.
“The Ivy Tech Bloomington entrepreneurship program has propelled the launch and growth of numerous local businesses, strengthening our communities and contributing to local economies,” said Sueann Graham, program chair for entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech Bloomington. “Thank you to the more than 80 people who came out to support our students, including alumni, friends, family, Ivy Tech employees, and other supporting community members.”
The event also featured food and refreshments from local businesses founded by Ivy Tech alumni. Attendees enjoyed Hawaiian barbeque from Mama Duke’s, started by 2023 graduate Amber Racoma, and ice cream from Hometown Scoops, founded by 2025 graduate Sadie Padgett. These offerings not only provided a tasty treat but also showcased the tangible impact of the entrepreneurship program on the local business landscape.
Judges for the competition included Michelle Casady of Northwest Bank, Avalyn Quick of A Quick Enterprises, and John Zody of CDFI Friendly Bloomington. Their experience in finance, business operations, and community development helped ensure the evaluation process was rigorous and fair, with a focus on both creativity and feasibility.
The Duke it Out Pitch Competition is made possible through partnerships with Duke Energy, Ivy Tech Bloomington Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), and the South Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. These collaborations provide critical resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities that support budding entrepreneurs.
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For those inspired by the event, Ivy Tech Bloomington will begin entrepreneurship classes on January 12, 2026. Students can start or grow their business in just two semesters, and tuition may be covered through the state’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant. The program continues to encourage students to combine creativity, business knowledge, and hands-on experience to make meaningful contributions to the community and economy.
For more information or to register for entrepreneurship classes, interested students can submit an inquiry at https://link.ivytech.edu/entr26.
This fall’s competition proved once again that Ivy Tech Bloomington’s entrepreneurship program is a fertile ground for nurturing new ideas, supporting small businesses, and fostering a culture of innovation that extends far beyond the classroom. Students walked away not only with cash prizes but with the knowledge, mentorship, and community connections needed to bring their visions to life.
