PHILIPPI, W.Va.—December 13, 2019—Alderson Broaddus University’s Christian Bak has been a Battler for less than a year and is already making a significant impact. Christian Bak, who is a freshman mathematics major, holds a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and is a member of Phi Beta Lambda, comes to Alderson Broaddus from Therwil, Switzerland and will travel home for the holidays with plenty to celebrate. Following the first round of the West Virginia Collegiate Business Competition hosted in November, Bak has advanced to the semifinal round of the contest.
“Being selected for the WV Collegiate Business Plan semi-finals is a substantial achievement, and I am excited to present my idea in greater detail to a panel of experts,” said Bak. “I’m confident that I am bringing a unique idea to the STEM & Innovation category, as it confronts societal problems rather than practical inconveniences. Furthermore, I get the opportunity to demonstrate another aspect of my intelligence interlinking it with my competitive nature. I’m very grateful.”
Eighteen state colleges and universities will be represented in the 2019-2020 West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition semifinals, with a total of 31 teams moving onto the next stage of the competition. Out of 204 entries from 18 different institutions throughout the state, Bak placed in the top ten of the STEM & Innovation category and has advanced to the semifinals of the statewide competition.
“I am very excited that Christian decided to participate in the business plan competition, especially since he is in the first semester of his freshman year,” said Assistant Professor of Business Austin O’Connor. “With his determination and business concept, he has an excellent chance to place if not win the competition.”
In January, Bak will advance to the semifinal round of the competition. He will submit a written feasibility study, present a two-minute elevator pitch to the judges, and participate in a series of interviews with business professionals. The winner in each category will receive the grand prize package of $10,000 cash and consulting services to start their business. Additionally, $20,000 of at-large prize money will be awarded to deserving teams.
About WV Collegiate Business Plan Competition
The West Virginia Collegiate Business Plan Competition affords college students around the state the unique opportunity to make a business idea come to life with the support of state institutions of higher education and seasoned business professionals from around the country.
About Alderson Broaddus University
Alderson Broaddus (AB) University is a private, four-year institution of higher education located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences.
