Central Wyoming College Students Shine at Baby Pitch Competition

Riverton, WY – Central Wyoming College (CWC) proudly announced the winners of its annual Baby Pitch Competition, hosted in partnership with the Bootstrap Collaborative, an initiative designed to grow and support entrepreneurial talent throughout the region. The event showcases early-stage business ideas from CWC students and reinforces the college’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Wyoming innovators.

Designed as a low-pressure, entry-level pitch experience, the Baby Pitch Competition encourages students to transform early business concepts into action. Participants are judged on their understanding of the problem they aim to solve, the viability of their solution, potential customers, and their plan for generating revenue. Judges also evaluate participants’ energy, enthusiasm, and the broader potential impact of their ideas.

This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional creativity, business insight, and a strong understanding of their target markets:

1st Prize – $200: Stan Schumann, Business Administration (AS)

Concept: A mobile app connecting local businesses needing temporary help with college students seeking flexible work opportunities.

2nd Prize – $150: Cammie Cornell, Entrepreneurship (AAS); Organizational Management & Leadership: Business & Entrepreneurship (BAS)

Concept: A customizable hoodie patch business offering unique, personalized apparel options.

3rd Prize – $100: Kodie Andersen, Business (AA); Equine Management: Training (AAS); Organizational Management & Leadership: Business & Entrepreneurship (BAS)

Concept: Livestock RFID tags integrated with an app to streamline tracking and enhance herd management.

Audience Choice Award – $50: Cammie Cornell

Recognized by attendees for her engaging pitch and creative vision.

“We’re incredibly proud of our students, not only for the ideas they presented, but for the passion and confidence they brought to the competition,” said Mike Hoyt, Director, Bootstrap Collaborative. “Partnerships like the one we share with the Bootstrap Collaborative allow us to provide hands-on, real-world experiences that strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem right here in central Wyoming.”

Participants delivered three- to five-minute pitches, followed by two minutes of Q&A with the judges, who used the opportunity to coach and encourage students to continue developing their ideas. The event focuses on early ideation rather than full business plans, helping students learn foundational entrepreneurial skills in a supportive environment.

“Riverton and Fremont County are fortunate to have an awesome entrepreneurial ecosystem that continues to thrive as exemplified by the seven CWC students who presented their innovative business ideas on Tuesday night,” said Kevin Kershisnik, Executive Director of IDEA, Inc. “We are encouraged that many of these participants will participate in the Fremont County Start-up challenge in early 2026, which is open to all Fremont County entrepreneurs.”

Prize funding and food for the event were provided through sponsorship from IDEA, Inc. IDEA Inc. is dedicated to diversifying and expanding the Riverton and Fremont County economy by assisting existing and new businesses to grow and become more profitable.

The Baby Pitch Competition is one of several ways CWC actively contributes to the regional business community. Through strong partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and programs that emphasize innovation, the college continues to play a vital role in supporting economic growth and cultivating homegrown talent.

Details for the 2026 Fremont County Start-Up Challenge are currently being finalized. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on deadlines, requirements, and how to get involved. In the meantime, you can learn more about the Challenge and explore resources, visit the Bootstrap Collaborative online.

Find out more about Central Wyoming College’s Business and Entrepreneurship at www.cwc.edu/business-entrepreneurship.