CCCC students compete in Entrepreneurship Challenge

Cloud County Community College had two teams compete this spring at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at Kansas State University. Both teams finished in the second tier and received $2,200 each.

The team of Connor Klecan, Odell, Neb., and Tom Poole, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, created a business called FlyAway, which would produce biodegradable fly-fishing lures. Gerardo Arana, Marysville, Kan., created a business called OwlAid, which would produce security-sensored belts.

“Both teams representing Cloud County Community College presented themselves professionally, convincingly articulated their pitches, and handled some really tough questions from their judges,” said Shelly Farha, Cloud County Business Department Chair, Instructor and Academic Advisor. “These business students spent countless hours preparing their proposed business ideas. They were creative, diligent in their research and feasibility studies, and rehearsed their pitches until they were perfect. We are incredibly proud of them!”

The Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC) is sponsored by the Kansas Masonic Foundation and Kansas Masons in partnership with Kansas State University and the Network Kansas Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series to promote entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas. The competition is for student created, managed, and owned ventures at the high school and collegiate levels from across the state. More than $70,000 in prize money was awarded to student entrepreneurs.

Cutline: Cloud County Community College students (left to right) Connor Klecan and Gerardo Arana competed this spring at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at Kansas State University. Tom Poole, not pictured, was Klecan’s teammate, but could not attend the competition.