The Viscardi Center has continued its partnership with Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to deliver programming to entrepreneurs with disabilities. In its second year, the IdeaSpark program culminated with a Pitchfest on July 10, 2024, as part of the organizations’ Disability Pride Month activities. Nine participants from around the country, including several from the New York metro area, dedicated eight weeks to developing their entrepreneurial ideas for the chance to win $7,500 in non-equity cash grants. Presenting to a panel of judges, participants shared their business ideas, ranging from mental health services, to accessibility tools for clothing racks, to healthy eating.
“Through IdeaSpark, The Viscardi Center – a global leader in disability inclusion – is proud to partner with Iona University and its world class Hynes Institute of Entrepreneurship & Innovation to create truly inclusive training for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities,” said Dr. Chris Rosa, president & CEO of The Viscardi Center. Working collaboratively and drawing on their strengths, Iona and Viscardi are ensuring that founders with disabilities have the capacity and opportunity to participate more equitably in economic development.”
Dr. Christoph Winkler, endowed professor and founding program director, kicked off the event with opening remarks. “This partnership aligns with Iona’s values to foster and support a diverse community of learners.” said Winkler. “We’re dedicated to cultivating a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and opportunity for all.”
Eric Ryan, a Long Island resident and Class of 2006 alumnus of Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, pitched his accessible transportation service, TRIPPr, to the panel of judges and was awarded first place. During the presentation and Q&A portion of the Pitchfest, he reflected on the impact access to viable transportation had on him, “Once I had a van, it opened up a lot of opportunities for me; I was able to go to college and attend friends’ and family events. It allowed me to get one step closer to the life that I wanted to live.” With long-term goals of expanding his fleet and recognizing the entire disability community could benefit from wide-spread, reliable transportation options, Eric shared, “Winning this PitchFest validates the need we have for accessible transportation… and I hope to make a difference with my initiative.”
Ironically, Dr. Rosa who is also a wheelchair user, had an immediate need for an accessible ride following the Pitchfest which was held on the Iona campus in New Rochelle, NY. “Eric and I were speaking after the event and went out to our vans together. One of our vehicles started and one didn’t… mine. I booked a ride home right there and then with TRIPPr!”
Maria Torre’s business plan for specialized arts and crafts for individuals with disabilities took second place. Miguel Angel Davila, of Davila Applied Anthropological Research, which assists business owners with organizational structure, research and operational strategies, received third place.
Kimberly Minto, the 2023 IdeaSpark Pitchfest top award recipient, presented this year’s grant awards. Kimberly turned her disability and passion for fashion and makeup into a winning idea that transformed her from a blogger to the founder of an online magazine, Sitting Beauty.
The Viscardi Center will begin accepting applications for the 2025 IdeaSpark program this fall. Details will be posted online at ViscardiCenter.org