In the inaugural Bayou Business Bowl—an all-new student pitch competition launched during Business at the Bayou—two Grambling State University teams delivered a commanding performance, claiming first and second place against top innovators from Southern University and A&M College. The event not only marked the beginning of a new tradition for both institutions, but also signaled a powerful chapter of collaboration, innovation, and regional impact. The dominance of Grambling State’s teams showcased the university’s commitment to developing entrepreneurs who are ready to solve real problems, lift communities, and lead industries. As Grambling State expands opportunities through the Thomas & Joyce Moorehead College of Business & Entrepreneurship, the Bayou Business Bowl affirmed a simple truth: when preparation meets purpose, Tiger excellence rises to the top.
Held inside the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the event was backed by the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Bayou Classic partners who remain committed to elevating student talent, sharpening entrepreneurial readiness, and expanding pathways for economic mobility.
Team ScrollDoor, the first-place winners, demonstrated a powerful blend of creativity, technical skill, and mission-centered thinking. For team member Favour Aina, the moment carried deep meaning.
“Winning this competition was such an honor and a blessing to represent the College of Business and GSU at large,” Aina said. “The Bayou Bowl was more than a pitch to me; it was my avenue to showcase the excellence that being a GSU student has taught me!”
Her teammate David Nintang shared how prior competitions shaped his confidence on stage.
“Competing in the Bayou Business Bowl was a great experience,” Nintang said. “Having already worked with the same team during the HBCUMI Competition helped us perform strongly, and I’m grateful to Prof. Penn, Dean Warren, and Ms. Amanda Sapp for their consistent support.”
As the team reflected on their journey, Christotes Nartey-Tetteh emphasized the strength of their collaboration.
“ScrollDoor is one of the best teams I’ve worked with so far,” Nartey-Tetteh said. “Everyone is brilliant, skilled, and brings something unique, and I’m grateful for the continued love and support from Dr. Warren, Ms. Sapp, and Professor Penn.”
Nonso Duaka highlighted the pride he felt in bringing their idea to life.
“Competing in the Bayou Business Bowl was an incredible experience,” Duaka said. “Moments like this remind me that young innovators truly have the power to change the world.”
For Samuel Torto, the competition reaffirmed the purpose behind their innovation.
“Participating in the Bayou Business Bowl was a humbling and empowering experience,” Torto said. “Seeing our idea resonate with others reminded me why innovation matters—because it creates real solutions for real people.”
Closing out the reflections from Team ScrollDoor, Prevailer Nchekwube described the personal meaning behind their shared success.
“The Bayou Business Bowl was truly surreal,” Nchekwube said. “Pitching to the judges and placing at the top was incredible, but what stays with me most is the growth, the journey, and the resilience we built as a team.”
Team Whisppr, led by Life Makarudze, brought forward a concept rooted in connection and community impact—earning them a strong second-place finish. Makarudze reflected on what the moment symbolized for him.
“Standing on that stage, alongside brilliant innovators from both Grambling State and Southern University, reminded me how far determination, creativity, and community can take you,” Makarudze said. “Competitions like this push us to think bigger, build bravely, and lead with purpose—and this is only the beginning.”
A Legacy of Excellence and a New Tradition
For Dr. Derrick Warren, Dean of the Thomas & Joyce Moorehead College of Business & Entrepreneurship, the wins were especially meaningful. Several of the participating students had already distinguished themselves nationally through victories in Golden Pitch and the HBCUMI Business Brand Competition.
“I was ecstatic, to say the least,” Warren said. “Once third and fourth place were announced and both were Southern, we knew Grambling State students had secured the top spots. I’m extremely proud of all our participants.”
He emphasized that the Bayou Business Bowl was born from a shared belief between Grambling State and Southern University: students need more opportunities to bring their classroom learning into real-world application.
“We both believe very heavily in the power of experiential learning,” Warren said. “At Grambling State, students get more than a degree—they get the kind of experience that helps them succeed in career and life.”
The Coaching Behind the Win
As the Entrepreneur in Residence and Adjunct Professor for the Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Kimberley Penn has coached high-performing teams across multiple competitions. She said the selection for the Bayou Business Bowl came down to discipline, focus, and entrepreneurial readiness.
“Everyone has the potential to be a successful pitcher,” Penn said. “We look for work ethic, focus, and the mindset that allows students to do the things that need to get done.”
Her coaching philosophy—refined through experience training defense-industry entrepreneurs and multimillion-dollar startups—centers on courage, communication, and disciplined excellence.
“Don’t let perfect get in the way of excellence,” Penn said. “It’s okay to be scared, but you have to be brave—that’s required in pitching and in life.”
And when the placements were announced, she felt no surprise.
“I always state who’s going to win before it’s announced,” Penn said. “The confidence is there, and it reflects in what you see.”
