On March 12, 2026, 29 students presented 14 entrepreneurial pitches to a panel of judges. The panel included: Joshua Ott of CW Mechanical, Kula Hoty-Lynch of Hoty Enterprises, Matt Maschari of Firelands Auto Group, and Elizabeth Clymer of Young Entrepreneurship Institute.
The RISE Youth Pitch Challenge Finals allowed students to present their polished entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges in a competitive environment. Students built on the feedback received during the regional Pitch Challenge to strengthen and refine their concepts before delivering their final pitch.
The following pitches were presented in the finals, with the three finalists appearing first:
- DJ McKinney & Aaliya Ohm – North Coast Cycle Rentals – Danbury High School
- Savannah Schaffer – Blueprint Denim – Margaretta High School
- Keylan Howell – HYBST – Sandusky High School
- Brody McFadden, Chaz Smith, & Bryson Wittmer – Solar Flex – Edison High School
- Liliannah Bennett – Little Listener – Huron High School
- Rylee Henney – FurFlow – Huron High School
- Angel Limon – DryVanta – Huron High School
- Mason Kromer – Pivot – Margaretta High School
- Isabella Belnden, Emma Rose Johnson, Aubrey Rohrer, & Adriel Venegas – The Pop Top – Port Clinton High School
- Grayson Jones, Charlie Kruse, Grady Northrop, Joseph Schwable, & Thaddeus Wierzba – Rust Bucket – Port Clinton High School
- Alivia Adorni, Analiya Alvarez, Johnny Peck, & Mike Wheeler – Magnico Glasses Company – Port Clinton High School
- Eian Etchill & Mason McCune – American Railways United – Sandusky Central Catholic School
- Rebecca Gallagher & Alexis Langenberg – Helping Hands – Sandusky Central Catholic School
- Elijah Murria – Klean Kicks – Sandusky High School
Breakfast for the program was provided by local business, Trabel’s Bagels in Huron.
The RISE Regional Youth Pitch Challenge is organized and produced collaboratively by Huron County Growth Partnership, Greater Sandusky Partnership, Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation and North Point Educational Service Center. The 2026 program was supported by sponsors, Lorain County Community College and BGSU Firelands.
About Huron County Growth Partnership
The Huron County Growth Partnership is a non-profit, public-private partnership that facilitates business and community growth through economic development and chamber of commerce activities and services. The Growth Partnership aims to grow the community and economy, support businesses, secure resources for and make a name for Huron County. If you are interested in expanding your existing business into or starting a new business venture in Huron County, please visit the website at http://www.huroncountyohio.com.
About Greater Sandusky Partnership
Greater Sandusky Partnership is a regional chamber and economic development organization that provides services to enhance the economic vitality and vibrancy of the Greater Sandusky Bay region. The partnership promotes, engages and develops across business, talent and community to support a thriving collection of communities along Sandusky Bay. To learn more and get involved, visit www.greatersandusky.com.
About Ottawa County Improvement Corporation
The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC) serves is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization at the heart of economic development efforts in Ottawa County, Ohio. We are the central point of contact for businesses, site consultants, and company representatives seeking opportunities to establish or expand within the county. Our work includes assisting existing businesses with retention and growth, attracting new businesses, and fostering entrepreneurial development. We market available buildings, sites, and industrial parks to showcase Ottawa County’s potential as a hub for economic activity. In collaboration with local elected officials, community leaders, chambers of commerce, workforce development partners, and regional stakeholders, OCIC is dedicated to driving sustainable growth and strengthening the economic vitality of Ottawa County today and into the future.