LA MIRADA, CALIF. — The 4th annual 51 Startup Competition has moved into its final round, with six teams competing for $27,500 in cash prizes. Finalists are now developing a 15-page business plan for the final presentation, where teams will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges.

“This year, we had 40 Christian business executives globally serve as Concept Paper Judges, providing valuable feedback to the participants in round two of three of the 2018/19 51 Startup Competition,” said Robert Harp, director of strategic initiatives at Crowell School of Business. “Comments by these experienced executives are invaluable as teams define and refine their business ideas. All business ideas are rooted in a desire to honor God and provide a social benefit — an excellent example of doing business as ministry and with integrity."

The six finalist teams are as follows in no particular order:

  • Chaotic Peace: Chaotic Peace is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources for equipping, training, and sending students to normalize conversations and break the stigmas associated with mental health.
  • Glorious Gainz Fitness: Glorious Gainz Fitness (GGF) supports women in understanding their God-given worth and true identity through a Christ-centered approach to fitness.
  • Kintsugi: Kintsugi’s vision is to create a sustainable environment that recognizes and restores the identity in Christ of people transitioning out of homelessness.
  • ParaBrands: ParaBrands aims to influence the fashion world for Christ with thought-provoking designs and innovate man’s vanity towards God’s glory by creating aesthetically appealing clothing that pushes wearers toward deeper thought.
  • S75: S75 is a brand that strives to create a safe, stimulating and morally wholesome environment in which displaced youth plagued by the homeless epidemic can participate in sports and other activities.
  • Titanium: Titanium is tackling the waste epidemic by producing fashionable, performance-enhancing activewear made from 100 percent recycled plastic.

The first place team will receive the winning prize of $15,000 and a $10,000 pro-bono legal package provided by sponsor Brown & Streza. The second and third place teams will receive $7,500 and $5,000.

Teams must submit business plans by February 25, 2019 as the final presentations will be held on March 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Moats Auditorium at the Crowell School of Business. The public is welcome to attend. An awards ceremony will conclude pitch day where lunch will be provided by sponsor Chick-fil-A, La Habra Marketplace.

The 51 Startup Competition, hosted by Crowell School of Business, is a faith-based business competition designed to help 51 students and alumni launch innovative, kingdom-minded businesses and nonprofits that have the potential to significantly impact the world for Christ. The competition is generously funded by friends of 51 and the Crowell School of Business — a direct investment in Christ centered young innovators.

For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, manager of media relations, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.