Sussex Academy entrepreneurs outline business plans

At the 2025 Venture Showcase at Sussex Academy Feb. 24, student entrepreneurs presented problem-solving business plans to judges, with three groups selected to compete against 30 other teams at the Delaware Venture Showcase March 7. 

The Shaman team, comprising Josue Laurore, Duncan Winger, Gavin Boos and Austin McDowell, received high scores from judges for its social venture idea. Students developed the Shaman app to help break social media addiction and encourage students to spend more time exploring nature and other hobbies.

Two Sussex Academy teams were selected for their business venture ideas. 

The Pierce Guard team, comprising Gabby Majjul, Carson Gesuero and Ava O’Neal, developed a protective ear mold, similar to mouthguards worn by athletes, to protect ear piercings for student-athletes.

The AreoScan team, with members Nate Silva, Nathan VanPelt and Alec Dukes, are developing a scanning and fabrication process that will help owners of classic cars and airplanes obtain discontinued parts.

The three teams are set to compete against over 30 teams in the Delaware Venture Showcase March 7 at the University of Delaware. Four winners from the state venture showcase will earn $500 and go on to compete against 75 teams at the World Summit Diamond Challenge May 1-2 for a top prize of $12,000.  

Sussex Academy teacher Tim Elmer leads the EntreX Lab class for which students developed their business ideas. The class is a unique dual enrollment course offered in partnership with University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship.

The course allows students to cultivate agile thinking and creative problem solving skills through hands-on experiences, Elmer said. After successful completion of the course, students earn 3 college credits.  

Other proposed business ventures included a healthy meal program subscription plan, a tool to simplify car tire changes, an alarm clock diffuser that awakens users with the scent of their choice, and athletic bag holders.