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Red C Challenge: Calling All Entrepreneurs
A look into the annual Red C Challenge, Calvert Hall's entrepreneurial competition.
Celebrating its sixth year at Calvert Hall, the Red C Challenge provides students a unique opportunity to develop and advance their entrepreneurial spirit. Founded by Mr. Geoff Foltyn ‘00 and Mr. Paul Brooks ‘82, the Red C Challenge is a student-wide “start-up” competition like the popular television show Shark Tank. “Students look to gain real world experiences and utilize their entrepreneurial ability,” said Mr. Foltyn, Vice Chairman for the Red C Challenge. “Entrepreneurism is the future of America and it’s something the millennial generation is highly interested in.”
Approximately forty students are participating in the Red C Challenge this year, represented by nine competing teams. In January and February, the students attend a series of “bootcamp” sessions, which allows them to interact with successful entrepreneurs, formulate a business model for their idea and learn about important business topics such as raising capital to finance their idea. This year’s bootcamp sessions are being led by entrepreneur, CHC alumni, and founder of ARBIT, Mr. Alex Bullington ’10.
“My favorite thing about the Challenge, besides the cash prize, is definitely the valuable entrepreneur experience,” commented Red C Challenge participant Andrew Sontag ‘19. “It looks good on a résumé and opens up another possible path for my future. I hope not only to achieve a more developed set of skills in business and marketing, but a heightened camaraderie with my teammates and a better ability to function cooperatively in a team environment.”
Kevin Shiflett ’18, is also among this year’s Red C Challenge participants. Along with his teammate, Jonah Willard ’18, their idea is to bring technology to retailers that improves security and reduces counterfeiting. “I hope the Challenge allows me to grow as an entrepreneur and make meaningful connections,” said Kevin. “From what I’ve observed thus far, the Challenge has done an excellent job getting talented and well-respected professionals in front of the participants.” Jonah added, “One day I will own my own company and the Challenge is a great way to learn a plethora of new skills to assist in this goal.”
In March the students will “pitch” the idea for their product or service to a panel of alumni judges, with the top three teams awarded cash prizes. The Challenge concludes with a reception in April at which the winning team is announced and will present its idea to the audience.
One example of an idea that has won the Red C Challenge in the past is the “Cardinal Connection”, a database connecting CHC alumni and providing them with valuable networking resources.
When asked what he likes most about the Red C Challenge, Mr. Foltyn said, “I like being able to provide the students with a platform and to expand knowledge outside of the classroom. I also like connecting students and alumni. It’s important to utilize your Calvert Hall connection – that’s what this place is all about.”
An exciting Calvert Hall experience, the Red C Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for students to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions - and hopefully win some cash prizes along the way. Good luck to all the aspiring Calvert Hall entrepreneurs!
