Nearly four dozen MHS students showcased their products and business models to 11 local business owners and entrepreneurs on Friday as part of the INCubator MVP Pitch Day.

The students in the INCubator class spent much of the semester producing and ideating a product that would solve a specific problem. Groups of three to five students developed a business model and presented it to members of the INCubator Board of Advisors and INCubator coaches for a Shark Tank experience. 

Some of the ideas consisted of AI-centered pens, app developments for safety, and anti-stink shoewear. No winners were awarded. They will not be selected until the Final Pitch in May.

After the 11 student groups made their presentations, the community partners offered their expertise and real-world insight into the students’ business pitches.

The insights are the real value of the program, said Rich Stiles, Chairman of the MHS Fine Arts and Career Technical Education Department. The long-standing relationships with local business partners, built over the past 10 years by MHS teachers, create authentic, meaningful opportunities for students to learn, innovate, and grow. 

"For more than a decade, our high school Business INCubator has thrived because of strong, lasting community partnerships,” Stiles said. “We are deeply grateful to our community partners for investing their time, knowledge, and support in the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

The Business Incubator Board of Advisors in attendance included Bruce Dir, Andy Klein, Jess Stoffel, Angela Trillhaase, Brian Martin, Chris Rebellon and Cameron Adams.