Three student start-up teams with ties to Hunter’s Fund participated in the finals of the New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) held in Albany on April 25. Two of those students received awards for their big ideas.

Natasha Brao, creator of Shooka Sauce, and a Spring 2024 recipient of Hunter’s Grant, won 3rd Place Prize of $1,000 in the Food and Agriculture Track. Shooka Sauce is a Mediterranean Spiced Tomato Sauce based on the dish, Shakshuka, inspired by mixing and melding cultural flavors to promote creative cooking. 

“Food is a window into other cultures and is a tool to spark conversations around new experiences, learning, and expanding our palates and minds,” Brao says. “Shooka Sauce can help bring that mentality and idea to the modern American table.”

Motolani Oladitan, founder of Tá Beautie and Winter 2023 Entrepreneurial Award winner, was awarded the Concept Stage $500 Award in the Software and Services Track. Tá Beautie is a virtual marketplace connecting African beauty and wellness brands with the diaspora, making it easier for consumers to discover and purchase high-quality, authentic African products. 

In Oladatin’s words, “Tà is not just a business idea, it is a passion project that aims to uplift African beauty and wellness brands and showcase their products to the world. Through Tà, we hope to create a community that celebrates and embraces the beauty of African heritage.”

Frank Marin, a Fall 2023 recipient of Hunter’s Grant, and the CEO and founder of Marhold Space Systems, reached competition finals. According to its website, Marhold Space Systems “is a technological vanguard committed to preserving the growth and future of humanity through innovative space solutions.” Marin was originally awarded Hunter’s Grant to develop new technology and address the growing issue of space debris. 

“I want to make something that has a positive impact on the world,” Marin says. “This technology can help the space industry for years to come.”

The NYBPC attracts some of NY State’s best student entrepreneurs. The competition promotes entrepreneurial opportunities for college students from across the state who pitch their business plans to seasoned investors. They also receive the opportunity to engage with mentors and judges from the business community. The Finals event connects students with business professionals, provides experiential learning opportunities through competitions, connects entrepreneurs with resources at the Entrepreneurship Expo, and awards up to $100,000 in cash prizes to help seed new ventures.

Hunter’s Fund is thrilled to bear witness to the growth and excellence of students we’ve helped through grants and entrepreneurial awards. Seeing students like Natasha, Motolani and Frank become successful entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs drives us to continue our mission of changing lives.