Ivy Tech students showcase businesses in pitch competition, win cash prizes

Bloomington campus entrepreneurship students presented their business ideas in the Duke it Out Pitch Competition and took home $2,700 in cash prizes for their start-ups

Winner Alex Moffitt, owner of Suite Hair-Do

​Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington held its fall 2025 Duke it Out Pitch Competition where 15 entrepreneurship students showcased their businesses and six competed for $2,700 in cash prizes to fund their ventures.

Winner Alex Moffitt, owner of Suite Hair-Do won the top prize of $1,250. Suite Hair-Do is an inclusive salon that provides personalized haircare and empowers clients through self-expression.

“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.”

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Second place went to Hunter Smith, owner of Capped, who won $750. Capped is an innovative accessory for car tires and Smith is working on obtaining a patent for his product.

Third place winner, Keller Wason, owner of Keller Does Hair, won $500. Wason is a hair stylist who is working toward opening a salon using non-toxic products.

Two students, Smith and Anthony Reynolds, artist/barber, with his business AntBeKuttin, won the fan favorites and were awarded $100 each.

“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.”

Food was provided by Mama Duke’s Hawaiian Barbeque, founded by Amber Racoma, a 2023 entrepreneurship graduate. Ice cream was provided by Hometown Scoops, founded by Sadie Padgett, a 2025 entrepreneurship graduate.

Judges were Michelle Casady of Northwest Bank, Avalyn Quick of A Quick Enterprises, and John Zody of CDFI Friendly Bloomington.  

The Duke it Out pitch competition is powered by Duke Energy, Ivy Tech Bloomington Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), and the South Central Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Entrepreneurship classes begin January 12, 2026. Students can start or grow their businesses in just two semesters and classes could be free with the state’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant.

For more information or to register for entrepreneurship classes, submit an inquiry at https://link.ivytech.edu/entr26.