Two Syracuse University Libraries’ Blackstone LaunchPad (LaunchPad) student start-up teams made it to the finals of the New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC), hosted by Upstate Capital in Albany on April 25. The teams included Motolani Oladitan ’24 (College of Arts and Sciences), founder of Tá Beautie, and Natasha Brao ’22 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) G’23, G’24 (Whitman School of Management), founder of Shooka Sauce.
Natasha Brao ’22, founder of Shooka Sauce, won the 3rd place prize of $1,000 in the food and agriculture track. Shooka Sauce is a Mediterranean-spiced tomato sauce inspired by the dish Shakshuka, aimed at promoting creative cooking by blending cultural flavors. Motolani Oladitan ’24, founder of Tá Beautie, received the Concept Stage Award of $500 in the software and services track. Tá Beautie is a virtual marketplace connecting African beauty and wellness brands with the diaspora to make it easier for consumers to access authentic African products.
In addition to these two teams, five other LaunchPad student start-up teams participated in the 2024 New York Business Plan Competition, including Frank Marin ’24 (Marhold Space Systems), Adya Parida ’25 (Scale Sense), and Dylan Bardsley ’26 and Mark Leaf ’27 (Clarity).
The NYBPC is a platform that brings together some of the best student entrepreneurs in New York state, providing them with the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to experienced investors. Participants also get to engage with mentors and judges from the business community, helping them to refine their concepts and pitches. The event offers valuable networking opportunities for students to connect with business professionals and access resources at the Entrepreneurship Expo. Cash prizes totaling up to $100,000 are awarded to help kickstart new ventures.