The minor in entrepreneurship is proud to announce that four students have been chosen as winners of the JNO Awards in Entrepreneurial Studies for the minor in entrepreneurship: Jeremy Bass, Santiago Beltran, Ann Johnston and Catie King.
The awards aim to help students launch their own business venture during their undergraduate years or upon graduation. The winners will work with faculty and staff to draft business plans, using award money to finance travels, research, internships and the initial business startup.
Jeremy Bass, a junior studio art major/entrepreneurship minor, is currently writing a business plan that focuses on creating an arts community where arts students can exchange art supplies at no cost.
“This achievement has given me a valuable experience dealing with applying for grants and the process involved. It has prepared me for the future when I have to seek out external resources.”
Santiago Beltran, a junior public policy and economics double major, created “CEF International”, the first microfinance bank in Central America’s largest urban slum, La Limonada, during his first year at Carolina and continues to expand the business today.
“I am honored and so grateful to have been chosen as a JNO recipient. I see this award as the minor’s investment in my personal, academic and future endeavors.”
Ann Johnston, a junior economics major, is Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner at Baker-Eubanks, LLC, a Durham-based firm that provides due diligence investigations to clients hiring senior-level talent.
“(Winning the JNO award) has triggered the turning point where my business will go from paper to reality…The JNO award has brought an exciting social business opportunity within my reach and has given me the resources to do what I love.”
With the JNO funding, Johnston is developing Local Supply, which will connect local businesses through business-to-business (B2B) daily deals and a social media interface.
Catie King is a junior public relations major and founder of UNC’s first online music culture magazine, Resound.
“The JNO grant has taken my dreams for [Resound] and made it possible…I’m so thankful for the opportunities open to me everyday through this program.”
[Original story by Myles J. Robinson and John An for the minor in entrepreneurship newsletter.]
