Mineola, NY- Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos hosted the third annual “Comptroller’s Entrepreneurial High School Challenge” where over 250 business students from High Schools across the County competed for a $10,000 scholarship from NYIT and $5,000 in cash prizes from Healthplex. This year’s theme, “StartUp Nassau”, asked teams to convince a panel of expert judges that their business plan would align with local university programs and be a successful business in Nassau County. Similar to StartUp NY.
The students from New Hyde Park won the top prize of a $10,000 scholarship and $2,500 cash with their roofing company idea that installs light colored roofs which reflect sunlight to save on cooling costs. The team name, LIDCO- Long Island Direct Construction, received the highest marks from all the judges. Second place went to Massapequa High School which received $1,500 and third place went to Baldwin with a $1,000 prize.
All students were treated to pizza from Plum Tomatoes of Mineola who generously donated 50 pizza pies. Leftover food was donated to Glory House shelters.
“I am thrilled with our aspiring young high school entrepreneurs throughout Nassau County,” Comptroller Maragos said. “The record participation of high schools and students presenting innovative business ideas for startup companies in Nassau County confirms that our local economy will grow and prosper.”
The event was held at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola.
Participating schools and sponsors are listed below.
High Schools in the Challenge include:
Massapequa
Division (Levittown)
MacArthur (Levittown)
Roslyn
Baldwin
Oyster Bay
Hicksville
New Hyde Park
Cedarmore Corp. (After School Program)
Jericho
East Meadow
Sponsors Include:
NYIT
Adelphi University
HealthPlex
The Plum Tomatoes of Mineola
Mineola Trophy and Awards
Walmart
Stop&Shop
ListNet
LaunchPad
A&S Bagels
Follow the event on Twitter.com/nccompchallenge and on Facebook.com/nccompchallenge