JBU Takes First and Third at Governor’s Cup

John Brown University teams took home first and third place in the undergraduate division of the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup business plans competition. The ceremony was held in Little Rock on Wednesday. JBU teams won $35,000 in prize money and the first place team will advance to the Tri-State competition in May.

The JBU business plans outlined enterprises in customizable dolls and new business funding.

Undergraduate first place: Arleesa: Jeremy Enders, Andrea Good, Chase Skelton, Jake Wilson.
Arleesa seeks to provide families engaging ways to craft custom products with their children, centered on the core values of: character, self-esteem, diversity, imagination and fun.

Undergraduate third place: Funding Fathers: Chris Hembree, Timothy Luff, Jacob Moore
Funding Fathers uses the power of The Crowd to equip businesses with funding and customers.

JBU had three of the top six teams in the competition finals. The University of Arkansas, Hendricks College and Harding University were also represented in the undergraduate top six.

“Preparations for the competition began last August, studying every aspect of their industries, as well as the statistics involved,” said Eva Fast, JBU instructor of business and team adviser. “I am proud of the diligence and dedication the teams put into this completion. They are exceptional leaders and a pleasure to advise.”

The competition requires each team to complete a thorough business plan including a mission, vision, strategy, marketing, financials and investment opportunities for the first five years of business.

More information about the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup competition Business Plan competition is available at dwrgovernorscup.org.

John Brown University is a private Christian university, ranked first by “U.S. News & World Report” in the Southern Region among baccalaureate colleges. JBU enrolls more than 2,000 students from 42 states and 45 countries. JBU is a member of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

JBU Gov Cup Teams_2014

Pictured: Front Row: Jacob Moore, Shantelle McHone, graduate assistant, Eva Fast, JBU instructor of business and team adviser, Andrea Good and Jeremy Enders. Back Row: Chris Hembree, Timothy Luff, Chase Skeleton and Jake Wilson.