Gordon State College Launches Student Entrepreneurship Competition to Advance Economic Development
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Gordon State College recently launched its first student entrepreneurship competition, an initiative designed to strengthen workforce readiness and support economic development by giving students the opportunity to develop and pitch business ideas before a panel of industry and community leaders.
Six student entrepreneurs presented original business concepts during the Shark Tank-style event held on March 5 at the Barnesville campus. Ideas spanned multiple industries, including robotics technology, transportation services, music production, security systems, fishing charters and equine care innovation. Participants delivered five- to seven-minute pitches followed by a question-and-answer session with judges. Judges evaluated each presentation using a 100-point rubric focused on innovation, market connection, problem solving, scalability and presentation quality.
The competition drew strong support from across campus and the community, with six judges, 10 faculty and staff members, and more than 60 students and family supporters in attendance.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students not only academically but professionally,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, GSC president. “By encouraging students to think creatively, solve real problems and present their ideas with confidence, we are helping them develop the entrepreneurial mindset that today’s workforce demands.”
At the conclusion of the competition, cash prizes were awarded to the top three student entrepreneurs, with Lamar County resident Danielle Gibson earning first place.
Gibson, a post-baccalaureate student completing prerequisite coursework, presented a business concept focused on copper electroplating kits designed to help farriers protect horses’ hooves from bacterial invasion and degradation. The process is one she has already used in her own business and plans to commercialize through a kit and subscription model, allowing farriers across the country to improve equine health while creating recurring revenue for her company.
As the first-place winner, Gibson will advance to represent GSC in the University System of Georgia Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition on April 6, where students from across the state will compete for a grand prize of $25,000.
Other student participants included Nolan Riggins of Pike County, Esereme Micheal Ikogho of Clayton County and Timothy Caleb Manley of Pike County, each presenting business concepts ranging from security system installation to student transportation services and charter fishing ventures.
The event was judged by members of GSC’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board and community leaders with experience in entrepreneurship, technology, healthcare and education.
The student entrepreneurship initiative reflects GSC’s growing emphasis on preparing students for careers in business development, innovation and leadership that contribute to economic development across Georgia. By connecting classroom learning with real-world business development, the program encourages students to transform ideas into viable ventures while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
