Sophomore Alysa Diebolt, with her business M@M, took home first prize in the New Business Venture Competition last Thursday. M@M is a business which designs and sells fused glass items. Diebolt also took home the Best Elevator Pitch Prize, which was awarded based on the best 60-second pitch to the judges and the Best Trade Fair Presentation Prize, which was awarded to the best display at the competition. She took home a total of $5,000. The competition was an opportunity for students at Northern Michigan University to present business plans to judges from the community.

“I’m really glad I did it. I was at the right point in my business and the right point in my life,” Diebolt said. “It’s a huge opportunity and I’m really glad I won. It’s still a little bit overwhelming.”

Bob Jacquart, president of Jacquart Fabric Products in Ironwood, Mich. and a judge at the competition, said it was Diebolt’s “knowledge, passion and artistic ability all combined” that made the judges choose her.

Graduate student Christina Brazinski took home the second prize of $2,500 for her business Hand Struck. Third prize went to senior Brittney Alden for $1,500 for her business Cool Cakes.

“I think all five (finalists) were good. It’s very encouraging for the business department to have such good competitors,” said Jacquart.

The competition was organized by the College of Business, and prize money came from friends and alumni of the College of Business.