Published: November 07, 2023

UT's John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center Celebrates Innovators at C.R.E.A.T.E. Competition

Three student entrepreneurs won cash prizes to put toward their businesses in the finals of the C.R.E.A.T.E. (Creating Real Entrepreneurial Actions Through Education) Business Idea Competition, held Nov. 3 in the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at The University of Tampa.

Three student entrepreneurs won cash prizes to put toward their businesses in the finals of the C.R.E.A.T.E (Creating Real Entrepreneurial Actions Through Education) Business Idea Competition. Photo courtesy of the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center.

Eliza Marrero ’24, with her business, Ela’s Sweets, a gluten-free bakery, clinched first place and a prize of $3,000. Ela’s Sweets addresses the disproportion of gluten-free options on the market and provides customers with a less expensive and more exciting selection of gluten-free baked goods.

Marrero credits the workshops she attended in the Lowth Center for opening her mind, helping her build her pitch and refining her company’s financials, as well as improving the flow of her presentation.

“I'm just appreciative of the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center and what it has provided me. I worked really hard on this business, and I’m proud that all my hard work has paid off,” said Marrero.

Garrett Adams ’23 secured second place and $1,500 for an innovative golf club from his company, Palmetta Golf, and Brooke Pater ’24 earned the third spot and $500 for her business, Safe Top.

Each winner brought a unique perspective to the table, demonstrating the diverse talent present at The University of Tampa. Held in the Lowth Center’s Pitch Room, the event showcased 10 finalists and marked a significant highlight for UT’s entrepreneurship community, with a packed audience and a live stream that connected viewers to the excitement of the competition.

Rebecca White, director of the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, shared her enthusiasm for the event: "The C.R.E.A.T.E competition embodies the essence of entrepreneurial education. It's inspiring to see these students turn their ideas into actionable plans with the potential to make a real impact."

The John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at The University of Tampa's Sykes College of Business is an integral part of the University's commitment to provide hands-on learning experiences and practical insight into the entrepreneurial process. It is designed to integrate entrepreneurial principles into the educational experience, regardless of the discipline of study.

For more information about C.R.E.A.T.E. and future initiatives, please contact the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at ecenter@ut.edu.