Student Entrepreneurs Pitch Big Ideas at 2025 D.I.C.E. Challenge

Nine teams from Lawrenceburg High School, Oldenburg Academy, and South Ripley High School competed.

Photo provided.

(Southeast Indiana) - The 2025 D.I.C.E. Challenge – Student Pitch Competition brought together some of the region’s brightest young minds to compete in an exciting entrepreneurial showcase. Hosted by Genesis: Pathways to Success, in partnership with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce, and Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, this annual business planning competition inspires high school students to dream big, think creatively, and develop the skills to bring their business ideas to life.

The goal of the D.I.C.E. Challenge is threefold. 1) It is designed to inspire young people to learn about entrepreneurship and see small business creation and ownership as a viable career path. 2) It demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not always about identifying a “million-dollar” idea, but about identifying the gap or need within a community and fostering a solution to fill that gap/need. 3) It allows students to understand the vital role an entrepreneur plays within a community – increasing economic growth, providing access to unique goods and services, and even promoting social change. Genesis: Pathways to Success and its partners want students to understand from this competition that Southeastern Indiana is a place they can turn to for their entrepreneurial needs.

Nine teams from Lawrenceburg High School, Oldenburg Academy, and South Ripley High School spent the semester creating a business product/service and developing a business plan. These well-crafted ideas were pitched to a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs who evaluated and ranked ideas, with the top 3 teams receiving an investment into their futures. This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional innovation and business acumen. Congratulations to:

• 1st Place: CharLeigh Combs won with her business of CharLeigh's Creations, a home bakery selling cakes, cupcakes, and specialty treats. She received $3,000 to further expand her business goals.
• 2nd Place: Alahna Beinkemper & Maliyah Salter were the second-place recipients, winning $2,000 for their idea of StressLess Box, a curated self-care package designed to help individuals manage daily stress by providing convenient tools for relaxation, focus, and emotional well-being.
• 3rd Place: Mateo Rico was the third-place winner of $1,000 with his business of Your Magic, offering custom Magic shows for all ages and events.

"Watching these students pitch their ideas was inspiring! They showed creativity, courage, and true entrepreneurial thinking. The D.I.C.E. Challenge strengthened the skills they already carry—an entrepreneurial mindset that will guide them into future careers and empower them to uplift their communities. Whether they walked away with a check or not, every student left as a true winner—confident, experienced, and ready to turn bold ideas into impact,” stated Lori Rennekamp, Genesis: Pathways to Success Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator.

The success of this year’s D.I.C.E. Challenge was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Batesville Tool and Die, Batesville, Fifth Third Bank, Franklin County Community Foundation, Hillenbrand, Pulskamp FlooringPlus, Ripley County Community Foundation, The Joan & John Hillenbrand VISION Fund For Innovation, and The Friendship State Bank. Their contributions enable us to continue inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Genesis extends its gratitude to all participants, judges, and volunteers who made this event a success. The energy and creativity displayed by these young entrepreneurs show us that the future is bright.

To learn more information about the D.I.C.E Challenge, please contact Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator, Lori Rennekamp, by emailing lrennekamp@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or stopping by our office at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN, 47006.