Two local entrepreneurs are exploring new directions for their business ideas thanks to a Brock University mentorship program for early-stage entrepreneurs and financial support from its pitch competition.

Second-year Business student Anna Munezero and local community member Stephen Davis each took home $2,500 to pursue their business goals after winning the latest Brock LINC Navigate Pitch Competition.

Munezero aims to launch her business, QuickGlam, this fall.

“As a Black woman, I’ve often felt pressure to prove myself, especially through how I present myself,” she says. “Sometimes, all it takes is forgetting a small item like lip gloss or eye liner to suddenly feel like you’re not enough. And when it happens, it’s easy to isolate yourself.”

Munezero decided to design a solution herself.

Her business idea, which involves a repurposed vending machine stocked with essential beauty and hygiene products for students, quickly evolved during her time in the Navigate program.

“Being in Navigate helped me realize that this service is not just for students. Anyone who’s busy or short on time could benefit from this,” she says. “Through mentorship and customer surveys, I saw how much wider the market could be. People were suggesting items I never considered, like toothbrushes and toothpaste.”

Local community member Stephen Davis was one of two winners at the latest Brock LINC Navigate Pitch Competition.

Davis says the mentorship he received during the Navigate program was key to shaping the next phase of his business, helping him to understand company valuation, partnerships and the process of rolling out a product.

An experienced cabinet maker, he spent four years developing an innovative tool to solve a common problem in his industry.

Davis worked with a designer to create a digital model and used a 3D printer to create a physical prototype, but wasn’t sure how to get his product — under wraps until a patent is in place — into stores. That changed when Venture Niagara connected him with the Brock LINC, where he learned about the Navigate program.

With the guidance of his Navigate mentor, Davis conducted eye-opening market research.

“I realized that this tool is not only going to be used for what I use it for,” he said. “I got my product into the hands of painters, cleaning professionals, tile setters and auto body shops. That really changed the way that the tool is going to be marketed, as well as my customer base.”

He also credits the ongoing guidance of Tamara Jensen, Brock LINC’s Entrepreneurship Manager, and Noshin Hashim, Innovation and Commercialization Manager, for helping him bring his business to life.

“Tamara has been invaluable to me. When I fell behind on some of the computer work, she took the extra time to meet one-on-one, give me feedback and make sure my presentation went well. She’s constantly coming up with ideas and, along with Noshin, has been helping me get ahead on branding, marketing, packaging and working on the patent for me. Their support has been incredible.”

Davis will use his $2,500 prize to participate in Brock LINC’s Blueprint program, pursue a utility patent, finalize branding and packaging and prepare to launch his product in stores.

Jensen says supporting early-stage entrepreneurs through the Navigate program is an inspiring experience.

“By combining the Lean Startup method with in-person mentorship and the opportunity to pitch for a cash prize, we’re able to help participants test and validate their ideas quickly, gain real-world feedback and build the confidence they need to move to the next stage of their business,” she says.

Applications are now open for the fall cohort of Navigate. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. The program begins Wednesday, Sept. 17 and is open to Brock students, faculty and staff as well as members of the Niagara community.

For more information, contact Jensen at [email protected]