Orange Coast College’s Pirates’ Plank business pitch competition took place on Nov. 12 in an online format, giving students a chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges to compete for cash prizes. 

The competition was postponed from its original date of April 2 due to OCC’s campus closure over concerns about COVID-19. As it became clear that campus would remain closed, business professor and organizer Mark Grooms made plans to move Pirates’ Plank to an alternative format. 

“The student presenters, judges, family and friends gathered on Zoom along with some special guests. The Presenting Sponsor First Bank and the OCC Foundation provided financial support,” says Grooms. “Students presented their business ideas, fielded questions from the judges, and heard critiques from the judges about their idea and presentation.” 

This year’s  judges represented a broad spectrum of industries, including Peggy Fort, founder and CEO of California Marketing Concepts, Inc.; Tony Wong, co-founder and president of AirKentics, Inc.; and Clint Lawrence, founder, and CEO of JC Motors and Motorcycleshippers.

Two $500 prizes were awarded for “Most Innovative Business Idea” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” Due to the unusual nature of this year’s event, the presenters who did not win one of the two top prizes will receive $100 for their commitment and enthusiasm to the Pirate’s Plank event.

Skye Meredith took home the prize for “Most Innovative Idea” for her “Comfort Kitchen” pitch – a dining experience in the comfort of your own home using THC and CBD infused foods that are handpicked by experts to fit a customer’s health needs. Meredith also proposed that all extra proceeds go to providing the same treatments free of cost for cancer patients.

Business Economics major Michelle Weston won the prize for “Most Likely to Succeed” for her “Weston Automotive” concept – an App allowing customers to shop directly with participating auto dealerships’ inventories.

Other student pitches included protective equipment for athletes that have or develop skin conditions and an outfit rental service in the fashion industry.

The checks and awards will be presented to Meredith and Weston by OCC President Angela Suarez and CTE Dean Lisa Knuppel on Dec. 11.