Five teams of students from four high schools in the Greater Philadelphia region recently competed in a business pitch challenge hosted by Firstrust Bank and the Philadelphia Eagles. The competition marked the culmination of the Entrepreneurs Game Plan powered by the Science of Sport, a digital learning platform used by more than 40 teachers in the region that combines case studies, interactive business simulations, and personal development activities to prepare students for a bright and prosperous future.

From 34 submitted business plans, the top five teams were selected to present their ideas at the Firstrust Bank Club at the Eagles’ stadium. The finalists included students from Science Leadership Academy, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Central High School, and Hempfield High School.

For the first time, two teams were awarded first place, recognizing both a for-profit and nonprofit enterprise. Fragrance Fan, developed by two Springside Chestnut Hill Academy students, earned one of the top honors for its portable fan and fragrance diffuser that plugs into smartphones to provide personal cooling and scented air, helping to combat unpleasant odors. Tech Buddies, a social enterprise created by two sisters at Hempfield High School, also earned top honors for its mission to reduce digital exclusion among senior citizens through personalized mentoring from high school students. Each team was awarded $2,500 from Firstrust for its school’s business program.

The pitches were judged by a panel of executives from Firstrust and the Eagles, including Peggy Leimkuhler, EVP, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Firstrust Bank; Frank Gumienny, SVP, Chief Operating Officer of the Eagles; and former Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant.

“Firstrust’s founder, Sam Green, was an entrepreneur, and Firstrust’s mission of cultivating prosperity for our customers, employees, and communities is based on our investment in and support of the businesses we serve,” said Leimkuhler. “Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood that powers our economy, and Firstrust is excited to help build the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators through this program.”

“We’re proud to have teamed up once again with Firstrust Bank to foster the next generation of business leaders and equip these young professionals with the foundations of entrepreneurship,” said Gumienny. “Entrepreneurs Game Plan serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their creative ideas and apply classroom skills to real-world experiences. We are inspired by the projects in this year’s competition and look forward to following the students’ respective business journeys.”

All finalist teams received prize money for their schools. JMB (Just Morrison Bikes), a used bicycle sales and repair business founded by a student from Science Leadership Academy, placed second and received $1,500.

The following teams received an honorable mention and earned $500 each:

• Iris, a wearable device designed to support pedestrian safety created by a student from Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
• Book Fort, an e-library with niche books and independent authors created by a student from Central High School

All student participants also received Eagles and Firstrust swag and were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Eagles’ locker room and field.

In addition to developing a new business idea and pitch, through the Entrepreneurs Game Plan program, students explored how to save startup capital and balance a budget, what it means to be an entrepreneur, and how to recognize business opportunities.

Learn more about Firstrust Bank, the region’s largest family-owned financial institution.