Special to the Register
RICHMOND —
An Eastern Kentucky University student developed a small business idea that garnered a cash reward.
Joe Eisenhauer was chosen as the student winner in the seventh annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Collegiate Business Concept Challenge program honoring business and entrepreneurship in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
Eisenhauer, a non-traditional student from Fayette County pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management and a minor in entrepreneurship, will receive $1,000.
His advisor, Dr. Rita Davis, will receive $250.
Eisenhauer created the idea for “Home Delivery Laundry Service,” a residential home pick-up and delivery laundry business.
“Small business is the propelling force of the American economy,” Eisenhauer said. “Without entrepreneurs willing to risk their own money and livelihood to meet a need that exists in the community, America never would have become a pillar of economic freedom to prop up the rest of the world.”
Two other local projects received recognition.
The team of Randal Napier and Holly Angel, of EKU’s Corbin campus, presented a business concept for a strategic recycling distribution and collection proposal targeting the Corbin-Whitley County area.
Hong Zhang Durandal of Berea College introduced a business concept for an energy-efficiency consultant business.
Napier is a business major with environmental health science as his minor. Angel will graduate in May with a bachelor of arts degree in paralegal science and a minor in political science.
Both are from Corbin.
Durandal, originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia, is studying business administration and applied math and science. He said he plans to open his own business, Energy Exposure Agency, in the next three months.
The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Collegiate Business Concept Challenge invites students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky universities, colleges and community colleges to submit business ideas and compete for cash awards and professional consultation, according to a news release.
Eisenhauer said his business concept would greatly benefit EKU students and staff, young professionals, senior and disabled citizens, as well as families with two working adults.
Home Delivery Laundry Service would assist aging and disabled residents struggling with their laundry and offer a time and effort saving alternative to busy families and working professionals, he said.
Eisenhauer will be recognized on Sept. 13 at the 2010 Excellence in Entre-preneurship Awards luncheon ceremony in Somerset.
