CEO Student Entrepreneurs Seek Help
Spende geschützt
BRIEF CAMPAIGN SUMMARY + TOWER FOR AN HOUR CHALLENGE
Sponsored by the SOLO® Cup Operating Corporation — Thank You
What does a giant SOLO Cup Tower have to do with doing good?
We’ll tell you. This tower will act as a symbol. Symbol of what exactly? To understand that, you’d have to know more about the organization behind it—CEO.
Creating Economic Opportunity is an organization focused on bringing bright young minds together to come up with ideas, and make them real. By doing so, students get to do 3 things:
1 – Apply what they learn in class to hands on tangible experiences and projects.
2 – Try their hand in entrepreneurship without risking their finances and education along the way.
3 – Potentially create startups that leave a positive impact on society and create jobs while stimulating the economy.
Over the last 5 years we've developed 3 potential businesses, mentored 50+ students, and built a powerful network with industry leading firms and influential professionals. Coming this far has not been easy, it has required a significant amount of time from the team and financial support from our Founder, Bruno Chima, along with small fundraising efforts. However this is not sustainable. So rather than charging our students for the experience, which we vowed never to do, we are turning to GoFundMe and the general public for help.
As a symbol of your support of our mission and campaign, we'll be taking our SOLO Cups, turning em' over, and building a giant Tower out of them. Our goal is to break the world record, by using 5000 SOLO cups to do so. It's a small act, but that, along with your donation, will lay the foundation for the next generation of great American entrepreneurs.
We are Creating Economic Opportunity.
Help us create more.
Thank You.
_______________________________________________________________________________
FULL CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION – FOR INVESTORS, COMPANIES, & ALL
WELCOME.
We are Creating Economic Opportunity (CEO) — an entrepreneurial organization comprised of bright young minds aimed at bringing ideas to life and becoming the best we can be.
Everyone has ideas. But not everyone knows how to act on them. Our team is committed to helping each other put together the pieces necessary to turn our ideas into reality. Each member of the team contributes a unique combination of talent, aspiration, and perspective, which are brought together to refine and enhance the original concept.
We analyze, adapt, and optimize to pinpoint the specific market where each idea has the best chance of being successful. Our goal is to put products into the world that will benefit society as a whole. By doing so, we foster upward economic development and stimulate job growth.
Together, we make up something greater, giving us the ability to leave a lasting impact on ourselves and others. We stay connected, no matter where we go in the world and influence each other to grow, both professionally and personally.
We hope our drive and ambition inspires you. Never stop dreaming. Never stop doing. Strive to be your best and help others do the same. This is who we are, this is what we’re all about.
Welcome to CEO.
- What is CEO? -
Sponsored by the SOLO® Cup Operating Corporation — Thank You
What does a giant SOLO Cup Tower have to do with doing good?
We’ll tell you. This tower will act as a symbol. Symbol of what exactly? To understand that, you’d have to know more about the organization behind it—CEO.
Creating Economic Opportunity is an organization focused on bringing bright young minds together to come up with ideas, and make them real. By doing so, students get to do 3 things:
1 – Apply what they learn in class to hands on tangible experiences and projects.
2 – Try their hand in entrepreneurship without risking their finances and education along the way.
3 – Potentially create startups that leave a positive impact on society and create jobs while stimulating the economy.
Over the last 5 years we've developed 3 potential businesses, mentored 50+ students, and built a powerful network with industry leading firms and influential professionals. Coming this far has not been easy, it has required a significant amount of time from the team and financial support from our Founder, Bruno Chima, along with small fundraising efforts. However this is not sustainable. So rather than charging our students for the experience, which we vowed never to do, we are turning to GoFundMe and the general public for help.
As a symbol of your support of our mission and campaign, we'll be taking our SOLO Cups, turning em' over, and building a giant Tower out of them. Our goal is to break the world record, by using 5000 SOLO cups to do so. It's a small act, but that, along with your donation, will lay the foundation for the next generation of great American entrepreneurs.
We are Creating Economic Opportunity.
Help us create more.
Thank You.
_______________________________________________________________________________
FULL CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION – FOR INVESTORS, COMPANIES, & ALL
WELCOME.
We are Creating Economic Opportunity (CEO) — an entrepreneurial organization comprised of bright young minds aimed at bringing ideas to life and becoming the best we can be.
Everyone has ideas. But not everyone knows how to act on them. Our team is committed to helping each other put together the pieces necessary to turn our ideas into reality. Each member of the team contributes a unique combination of talent, aspiration, and perspective, which are brought together to refine and enhance the original concept.
We analyze, adapt, and optimize to pinpoint the specific market where each idea has the best chance of being successful. Our goal is to put products into the world that will benefit society as a whole. By doing so, we foster upward economic development and stimulate job growth.
Together, we make up something greater, giving us the ability to leave a lasting impact on ourselves and others. We stay connected, no matter where we go in the world and influence each other to grow, both professionally and personally.
We hope our drive and ambition inspires you. Never stop dreaming. Never stop doing. Strive to be your best and help others do the same. This is who we are, this is what we’re all about.
Welcome to CEO.
- What is CEO? -
C.E.O. stands for Creating Economic Opportunity. It is our mantra, our slogan, and very much the simplest way to describe the mission and mindset of our organization.
Our goal is to bring together bright young minds to come up with ideas and make them real. By doing so we offer students an opportunity to apply what they learn in class to something tangible, and meaningful. Our members are presented with challenging learning experiences, through the development of their own ideas, that can be carried over into any future career path.
After their development, students have the potential to test the waters of entrepreneurship by launching their ideas as businesses that will likely better society, create jobs, & stimulate the U.S. economy.
- What CEO Offers Students -
1. Apply what they learn in class to hands on tangible experiences and projects.
2. Try their hand in entrepreneurship without risking their finances and education along the way.
3. Potentially create startups that leave a positive impact on society and create jobs while stimulating the economy.
JOIN OUR "TOWER FOR AN HOUR"
Sponsored by the SOLO® Cup Operating Corporation
- "Tower For an Hour" SOLO Cup Challenge -
In the spirit of college, we are aspiring to build the world's tallest solo cup tower based on your donations. To be fair, we recommend donating about an hour's worth of pay. With your donation simply provide a name or message of your choosing, which we will write on a solo cup, and add to the tower. This tower will be the symbol of your support for our organization and America's next generation of young, talented, and ambitious individuals.
Donate and own your piece of the record today.
1. We need 5000 Donations to beat the record.
($5 Donation = 1 Solo Cup & 1 message)
2. To be added, donate an hour's pay or more.
3. Leave a comment with a message you would
like written on the cup ("For my son, John").
4. We will add a cup with your name and your message
to our record breaking Tower of Recognition.
HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN
This simple video defines our steps in the process and hints at each of the projects we have worked on:
Here's a quick breakdown of how we approach each CEO PRJCT:
MEET THE TEAM
Check out Intros, Experiences, & Bloopers in this Meet The Team Vid!
- Founders -
Bruno Chima | Founder & President
His words regarding CEO:
“When I first coined the core notion behind CEO all I wanted was to be able to bring together bright minds in engineering, business, and many other disciplines to come up with great ideas and work towards making them a reality. We did that, and now overtime entrepreneurship has come to be a part of it’s heart and soul, thus reinforcing the goal by giving us an avenue to share the things we create with the world. So although much of the reason why we do what we do is to gain invaluable knowledge & experience, our ultimate goal is to transform our most promising work into successful business ventures that stimulate economic growth and make a positive impact on society.
Developing CEO has meant hard work, sacrifice, and to say the least, risk; but it is an endeavor that I hold dear to my heart and I look forward to its future success and the positive impact it will have on students and the world.”
Click to learn more about Bruno through his public LinkedIn Profile.
Bruno Chima LinkedIn
Nicholas Ortiz | Co-Founder & Vice President
His words regarding CEO:
"'I like to build things and help people.' I wrote this as an elementary student in my class journal when the teacher asked, “What do you like to do?” I found this about a year and half after starting CEO. CEO is a place where we explore, create, build, and collaborate. A place where members can develop their internal desire to achieve, push boundaries and hold each other to high standards of ethics,workmanship and commitment. We aim to build our own future not only to help ourselves but to help our families, our communities and our world. Failure is guaranteed, perseverance is not. At CEO we believe by leading bright young minds to not fear failure and dedication, their success will be imminent, and come in ways they have yet to imagine."
Click to learn more about Nick through his public LinkedIn Profile.
Nick Ortiz LinkedIn
- Students -
Name - Major - 3 Words for why they joined.
Michael White - Accounting - "Experience, Team, Unique"
Ektedar Alam - Computer Science and Engineering - "Teamwork"
Aaron Mednick - ACES - "Chief Executive Officers"
Gustavo Torrealba - Mechanical Engineering - "Opportunity"
Phyllis Wang - Accounting - "Creative Projects"
Anuj Desai - MIS - "Business, Results, Opportunity"
Christopher Olsen - Mechanical Engineering - "Presentation"
Thomas Swinicki - Computer Science and Engineering - "Firsthand Experience"
Brandon Bonfils - Marketing - "Desire to Learn"
Katherine Kolc - Accounting - "Experience, Involvement, Entrepreneurship"
Viara Radoulova - Business Undecided - "Live Your Vision"
Richa Jain - Biological Sciences - "Money Pleases Me"
Vivek Tedla - Finance with Economics Minor - "Exploring New Opportunities"
And Our Four Newest Members...
Ross Li - Computer Science and Engineering - "Be Good Student"
Alec Tsai - Undeclared - "Success"
Brendan Greenwood - Communications - "Bruno Chima's Success"
Lucas Kamakura - Management and Engineering for Manufacturing - "Opportunity to Network"
Click to learn more about the team below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/meet-the-team/
PROJECTS (PRJCTS)
The following are our current projects. We are starting small on GoFundMe to gain the funds necessary to see these projects take off. We will begin releasing to the public after this successful campaign starting with the simplest and least complicated. Once the CEO organization has been fully established, we will begin to develop, prototype, and release more complicated projects that we feel fill market voids.
- PRJCT CornerOffice -
Idea Type: Physical Product Line + Accessories
Phase: Beta Sales/Consumer Testing
1st Ever CEO PRJCT | 4 Years Development | 90% Complete | Pre-Public Launch Stage | Awaiting Mass Production Funding | 7 Prototypes Modeled & Produced | Approx. 40 Members Involved Over Time
CornerOffice was born out of a simple problem, lack of work space in dorm facilities. A problem our Founder & President, Bruno Chima, had his freshman year of college. After finding no solution in the market, he went ahead and designed his own, entered it into a business competition, and as he puts it, “was fortunate enough to come in 2nd, winning $2000 towards its future development”.
After setting the idea aside for some time, Bruno took a moment to revisit what he had done in his past. He realized had there been more driven young individuals like himself working towards the same goal, the project could have been taken even further. With that he went on to found the organization now known as CEO™, and has led the effort to complete one of our most compelling projects; The One & Only, CornerOffice™.
CornerOffice was founded on the notion that if additional working space is needed it should be freestanding, you should be able to add and remove it quickly, and it should adjust to any height or position you so desire within your space . The current normal remedies for this have major shortcomings. An additional table would require you to have more space in the first place since you'll need to accommodate the legs that it's supported by. And a lap-desk will require you using your legs as the support at all times.
CornerOffice takes care of these two issues by utilizing the work/desk space you already have as support for additional table space. It then gives you the flexibility of moving that table space into any position you find most suitable for your situation and environment—whether it be standing or sitting. All these aspects allow for the dynamic CornerOffice to be used in many situations that can be found in the workplace, at home, and of course in the dorm room.
With CornerOffice we hope to improve the lives of those whom use it by decreasing the limitations of their working environment. This means having the ability to add additional workspace when needed or being able to utilize the lap-desk aspect in fitting situations. It also means that people can choose to stand and work whenever discomfort and fatigue settle in; or when health consciousness & medical issues call for it.
More importantly we look to have CornerOffice become a catalyst for a change in the way people of the 21st century work. One that increases comfort, decreases mundane, and encourages future health & well-being.
Click to learn more about Project CornerOffice below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/project-corneroffice/
- PRJCT SoulStones -
Idea Type: Physical Product Line + Web Service
Phase: Officially Released & Awaiting Public Launch
2nd CEO PRJCT | 2 Years Development | 95% Complete | $10K Win in Entrepreneurship Competition | 100 Pre-Orders from Beta Launch | 3 Bracelet Prototype Stages | 1 Website Prototype | Production Level Website Near Completion | Approx. 25 Members Involved Over Time
SoulStones is the window into your soul. Born and raised within the walls of CEO, SoulStones has since set its sails into the land of product perfection and market readiness. During its time in CEO, the concept of a web platform allowing users to explore and learn about themselves as well as bring together people of different belief systems was developed and prototyped. Through online quizzes and representative symbology as well as physical representative merchandise, users would be able to "know thyself and rep thyself". The concept's potential for success was proven during its Beta-Launch on-campus during the Spring 2015 semester. In just under two hours, we received nearly 100 pre-orders for the product, and even more participated in the Web Service element.
Also during its time in CEO, SoulStones was a top competitor in an on-campus entrepreneurship competition called “Innovation Quest” where it was put through many rounds of evaluation and risk management. Eventually, after completing the finalists' 6-week incubation program, SoulStones received $10,000 in support for its further development. A job well done!
The 10K Win
Click to learn more about SoulStones Project below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/project-soulstones/
- PRJCT EarBuddy -
Idea Type: Physical Product
Phase: Final Product Testing Phase
3rd CEO PRJCT | 1 Year Development | 80% Complete | $10K Win in Entrepreneurship Competition | Approx. 15 Members Involved Over Time
Picture this. You reach into your pockets to grab your headphones. Along with your headphones, out comes your wallet, keys, dollars, and coins in a tangled knot. Chris Olsen, the founder EarBuddy, was tired of dealing with this common issue. He found an innovative method of combining two items he always has on him: his keys, and his headphones. EarBuddy is the pocket-sized, portable key-chain, designed to de-clutter your pockets and keep your headphones tangle free.
Chris came up with the idea during his first semester in CEO. He pitched the idea at one of our meetings, and by the next week, he had a team working on EarBuddy. Within a week, we developed a 3D-Model using CAD Programming, and has a physical prototype in hand. The next week, we took EarBuddy to our on-campus bookstore, and engaged in conversation to have them carry it in the future, which they happily agreed.
EarBuddy quickly became something more than a handy device for dealing with life's simplest hassle. EarBuddy became a way to represent your interests, activities, and organizations. EarBuddy can be customized with any image, logo, quote, etc., that you desire. This gives the user a more personalized and intimate product, that looks great with or without your headphones.
Click to learn more about EarBuddy below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/prjctearbuddy/
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Where We Are -
Coming this far has not been easy. It has taken a combination of direct financial support from Bruno Chima, estimated to be in the area of $20,000+, and smaller contributions from a select number of team members in order to stay afloat. However this model is not sustainable. Our commitment to our members is that we will give them the best experience without ever having to worry about any financial burden.
So for that reason we've decided never to charge dues, or require money from our student members in order to work on these projects. To keep this promise, we must generate funds in some other manner, and that is why we are turning to you, the general public, for help.
We need funding to take us from where we're at, to where we plan to go. If you want to be a part of the process, this is your chance to help.
- What We Need to Keep Us Going -
Milestone 1 | Establish A HomeBase - $15,000
In order to expand and to continue to give young entrepreneurs an opportunity to develop their ideas, we at CEO need our own equipment and workspace. The majority of the projects that we pursue require prototyping and testing. To facilitate this process of experimentation, we need tools likes saws, nail guns, sheet metal shears, etc. One of the most helpful pieces of equipment this campaign would aid in purchasing is a 3D printer, which would be crucial to producing our own prototypes so that we do not rely on 3rd parties for them, thus expediting the advancement of our projects. Having our own place would allow us to have a home base that we can use as a storage facility for our prototypes, and it would allow us to have a designated worksite where we could keep tools and other equipment.
Milestone 2 | Fund Current Projects - $30,000
Two of the main projects currently being worked on are the CornerOffice and EarBuddy. While both projects are well underway in their development process, both are short on funding crucial to taking the next step with each idea. For CornerOffice, the money would allow us to order about 100 units of the newest version. As for EarBuddy, the additional funds would help cover the cost of molding the final prototype, while the remaining money would be used to place the first order of 3,000 units of the finalized product. On top of these two projects, we are currently in the early stages of pursuing a third, which would require money for development and prototyping.
Milestone 3 | Create A Team Scholarship - $75,000
Each member of CEO dedicates an immense amount of time, effort, and energy into making our organization great. With this in mind, we have set out with the intention of helping to subsidize their schooling costs through the creation of a scholarship program. We see the scholarship program as a way to reward an individual that goes above and beyond on a consistent basis. It will allow the organization to identify team members that have worked to develop themselves as leaders and encourage their peers to do the same. Once the program is establish, it will be a perfect way to help ecourage new members, as well as motivate current members to go the extra mile, in bettering themselves and those around them.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
This GoFundMe is just the beginning. We have big plans for the future. This opens up the door for many other opportunities for you to get involved:
1. Investment - By investing in CEO, you would be empowering the next generation of young minds to pursue endeavors that have the potential to significantly help improve our world.
Contact [E-Mail ausgeblendet] to begin a discussion.
2. Sponsorships - Becoming a sponsor of CEO is a win-win partnership. You are publicly supporting a group of young individuals that are willing to sacrifice countless hours of work in order to capitalize on entrepreneurial activities. Your guidance, support, and resources will be highly beneficial for us moving forward. Thank you.
Any interested companies please contact us at [E-Mail ausgeblendet]
3. First Chapter - Although we are a relatively new organization, we have seen a great deal of success in a short amount of time. We believe the root of this success is due to the collaborative environment that is produced when like-minded driven individuals come together. We want to put this opportunity in front of as many students nationwide as possible.
If CEO belongs in your school, do not hesitate to contact us at [E-Mail ausgeblendet]
CLOSING STATEMENTS
- Your Chance to Chip In -
Picture this… You have an idea. You’ve created a solid plan for it. You have the team, the prototype, and after going over everything with a fine-tooth comb, you are left with a quality final product that can be taken to market and sold to consumers.
Now, despite all this, you lack one key detail — capital. You are CEO. All of the great innovations that have not been pursued because of a lack of funding is CEO. CEO is the embodiment and evidence that a talented group of young individuals can come together to learn and create something significant that others can benefit from. Its proof that the American Spirit is alive and well in the hearts of young men and women of this nation.
This is YOUR call to action.
We are Creating Economic Opportunity. Help Us Create More.
- Thank You's -
Our organization and its members would like to extend its gratitiude to all of those who have helped us make it this far. Without your constant support, sacrifice, and belief, the success that we have had so far would not be possible. We would like to awknoweldge those who have shown us outstanding support including:
Tony Pirelli - UConn Foundation, Manager
Thomas Menard - Alix, Yale, & Ristas Law Firm L.L.P.
Telmo Costa - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
Robert Pilney - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
Robert Hawley - University of Connecticut Co-Op Bookstore, Manager
Sherry Hanson - Bed Bath & Beyond, Purchasing Manager
Sharon Norfleet - United Technologies Corporation (UTC)
Michael Zilinek - Platt Technical HS, CADD Dept.
Lisa Hickey - Belimo Air Controls Inc.
Kyle Vashalifski - Webster Bank Co.
Joel Hintz - Staples Inc., Purchasing Manager
Jeremy Berman - Founder, DreamSeeDo Platform
Jack Antonich - Connecticut Technology Council
Gerson DaSilva - Webster Bank Co.
Erik Knight - Inventor, Serial Entrepreneur, UConn Alum & EIR
David Menard - Murtha Cullina Law Firm L.L.P.
Christopher Pisarz - Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Ayotunde Williams - Belimo Air Controls Inc.
Ali Gokirmak, PhD. - University of Connecticut Prof.
Alan Tan - Tan 2000 International Regulatory Corporation
Thank you.
Our goal is to bring together bright young minds to come up with ideas and make them real. By doing so we offer students an opportunity to apply what they learn in class to something tangible, and meaningful. Our members are presented with challenging learning experiences, through the development of their own ideas, that can be carried over into any future career path.
After their development, students have the potential to test the waters of entrepreneurship by launching their ideas as businesses that will likely better society, create jobs, & stimulate the U.S. economy.
- What CEO Offers Students -
1. Apply what they learn in class to hands on tangible experiences and projects.
2. Try their hand in entrepreneurship without risking their finances and education along the way.
3. Potentially create startups that leave a positive impact on society and create jobs while stimulating the economy.
JOIN OUR "TOWER FOR AN HOUR"
Sponsored by the SOLO® Cup Operating Corporation
- "Tower For an Hour" SOLO Cup Challenge -
In the spirit of college, we are aspiring to build the world's tallest solo cup tower based on your donations. To be fair, we recommend donating about an hour's worth of pay. With your donation simply provide a name or message of your choosing, which we will write on a solo cup, and add to the tower. This tower will be the symbol of your support for our organization and America's next generation of young, talented, and ambitious individuals.
Donate and own your piece of the record today.
1. We need 5000 Donations to beat the record.
($5 Donation = 1 Solo Cup & 1 message)
2. To be added, donate an hour's pay or more.
3. Leave a comment with a message you would
like written on the cup ("For my son, John").
4. We will add a cup with your name and your message
to our record breaking Tower of Recognition.
HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN
This simple video defines our steps in the process and hints at each of the projects we have worked on:
Here's a quick breakdown of how we approach each CEO PRJCT:
MEET THE TEAM
Check out Intros, Experiences, & Bloopers in this Meet The Team Vid!
- Founders -
Bruno Chima | Founder & President
His words regarding CEO:
“When I first coined the core notion behind CEO all I wanted was to be able to bring together bright minds in engineering, business, and many other disciplines to come up with great ideas and work towards making them a reality. We did that, and now overtime entrepreneurship has come to be a part of it’s heart and soul, thus reinforcing the goal by giving us an avenue to share the things we create with the world. So although much of the reason why we do what we do is to gain invaluable knowledge & experience, our ultimate goal is to transform our most promising work into successful business ventures that stimulate economic growth and make a positive impact on society.
Developing CEO has meant hard work, sacrifice, and to say the least, risk; but it is an endeavor that I hold dear to my heart and I look forward to its future success and the positive impact it will have on students and the world.”
Click to learn more about Bruno through his public LinkedIn Profile.
Bruno Chima LinkedIn
Nicholas Ortiz | Co-Founder & Vice President
His words regarding CEO:
"'I like to build things and help people.' I wrote this as an elementary student in my class journal when the teacher asked, “What do you like to do?” I found this about a year and half after starting CEO. CEO is a place where we explore, create, build, and collaborate. A place where members can develop their internal desire to achieve, push boundaries and hold each other to high standards of ethics,workmanship and commitment. We aim to build our own future not only to help ourselves but to help our families, our communities and our world. Failure is guaranteed, perseverance is not. At CEO we believe by leading bright young minds to not fear failure and dedication, their success will be imminent, and come in ways they have yet to imagine."
Click to learn more about Nick through his public LinkedIn Profile.
Nick Ortiz LinkedIn
- Students -
Name - Major - 3 Words for why they joined.
Michael White - Accounting - "Experience, Team, Unique"
Ektedar Alam - Computer Science and Engineering - "Teamwork"
Aaron Mednick - ACES - "Chief Executive Officers"
Gustavo Torrealba - Mechanical Engineering - "Opportunity"
Phyllis Wang - Accounting - "Creative Projects"
Anuj Desai - MIS - "Business, Results, Opportunity"
Christopher Olsen - Mechanical Engineering - "Presentation"
Thomas Swinicki - Computer Science and Engineering - "Firsthand Experience"
Brandon Bonfils - Marketing - "Desire to Learn"
Katherine Kolc - Accounting - "Experience, Involvement, Entrepreneurship"
Viara Radoulova - Business Undecided - "Live Your Vision"
Richa Jain - Biological Sciences - "Money Pleases Me"
Vivek Tedla - Finance with Economics Minor - "Exploring New Opportunities"
And Our Four Newest Members...
Ross Li - Computer Science and Engineering - "Be Good Student"
Alec Tsai - Undeclared - "Success"
Brendan Greenwood - Communications - "Bruno Chima's Success"
Lucas Kamakura - Management and Engineering for Manufacturing - "Opportunity to Network"
Click to learn more about the team below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/meet-the-team/
PROJECTS (PRJCTS)
The following are our current projects. We are starting small on GoFundMe to gain the funds necessary to see these projects take off. We will begin releasing to the public after this successful campaign starting with the simplest and least complicated. Once the CEO organization has been fully established, we will begin to develop, prototype, and release more complicated projects that we feel fill market voids.
- PRJCT CornerOffice -
Idea Type: Physical Product Line + Accessories
Phase: Beta Sales/Consumer Testing
1st Ever CEO PRJCT | 4 Years Development | 90% Complete | Pre-Public Launch Stage | Awaiting Mass Production Funding | 7 Prototypes Modeled & Produced | Approx. 40 Members Involved Over Time
CornerOffice was born out of a simple problem, lack of work space in dorm facilities. A problem our Founder & President, Bruno Chima, had his freshman year of college. After finding no solution in the market, he went ahead and designed his own, entered it into a business competition, and as he puts it, “was fortunate enough to come in 2nd, winning $2000 towards its future development”.
After setting the idea aside for some time, Bruno took a moment to revisit what he had done in his past. He realized had there been more driven young individuals like himself working towards the same goal, the project could have been taken even further. With that he went on to found the organization now known as CEO™, and has led the effort to complete one of our most compelling projects; The One & Only, CornerOffice™.
CornerOffice was founded on the notion that if additional working space is needed it should be freestanding, you should be able to add and remove it quickly, and it should adjust to any height or position you so desire within your space . The current normal remedies for this have major shortcomings. An additional table would require you to have more space in the first place since you'll need to accommodate the legs that it's supported by. And a lap-desk will require you using your legs as the support at all times.
CornerOffice takes care of these two issues by utilizing the work/desk space you already have as support for additional table space. It then gives you the flexibility of moving that table space into any position you find most suitable for your situation and environment—whether it be standing or sitting. All these aspects allow for the dynamic CornerOffice to be used in many situations that can be found in the workplace, at home, and of course in the dorm room.
With CornerOffice we hope to improve the lives of those whom use it by decreasing the limitations of their working environment. This means having the ability to add additional workspace when needed or being able to utilize the lap-desk aspect in fitting situations. It also means that people can choose to stand and work whenever discomfort and fatigue settle in; or when health consciousness & medical issues call for it.
More importantly we look to have CornerOffice become a catalyst for a change in the way people of the 21st century work. One that increases comfort, decreases mundane, and encourages future health & well-being.
Click to learn more about Project CornerOffice below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/project-corneroffice/
- PRJCT SoulStones -
Idea Type: Physical Product Line + Web Service
Phase: Officially Released & Awaiting Public Launch
2nd CEO PRJCT | 2 Years Development | 95% Complete | $10K Win in Entrepreneurship Competition | 100 Pre-Orders from Beta Launch | 3 Bracelet Prototype Stages | 1 Website Prototype | Production Level Website Near Completion | Approx. 25 Members Involved Over Time
SoulStones is the window into your soul. Born and raised within the walls of CEO, SoulStones has since set its sails into the land of product perfection and market readiness. During its time in CEO, the concept of a web platform allowing users to explore and learn about themselves as well as bring together people of different belief systems was developed and prototyped. Through online quizzes and representative symbology as well as physical representative merchandise, users would be able to "know thyself and rep thyself". The concept's potential for success was proven during its Beta-Launch on-campus during the Spring 2015 semester. In just under two hours, we received nearly 100 pre-orders for the product, and even more participated in the Web Service element.
Also during its time in CEO, SoulStones was a top competitor in an on-campus entrepreneurship competition called “Innovation Quest” where it was put through many rounds of evaluation and risk management. Eventually, after completing the finalists' 6-week incubation program, SoulStones received $10,000 in support for its further development. A job well done!
The 10K Win
Click to learn more about SoulStones Project below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/project-soulstones/
- PRJCT EarBuddy -
Idea Type: Physical Product
Phase: Final Product Testing Phase
3rd CEO PRJCT | 1 Year Development | 80% Complete | $10K Win in Entrepreneurship Competition | Approx. 15 Members Involved Over Time
Picture this. You reach into your pockets to grab your headphones. Along with your headphones, out comes your wallet, keys, dollars, and coins in a tangled knot. Chris Olsen, the founder EarBuddy, was tired of dealing with this common issue. He found an innovative method of combining two items he always has on him: his keys, and his headphones. EarBuddy is the pocket-sized, portable key-chain, designed to de-clutter your pockets and keep your headphones tangle free.
Chris came up with the idea during his first semester in CEO. He pitched the idea at one of our meetings, and by the next week, he had a team working on EarBuddy. Within a week, we developed a 3D-Model using CAD Programming, and has a physical prototype in hand. The next week, we took EarBuddy to our on-campus bookstore, and engaged in conversation to have them carry it in the future, which they happily agreed.
EarBuddy quickly became something more than a handy device for dealing with life's simplest hassle. EarBuddy became a way to represent your interests, activities, and organizations. EarBuddy can be customized with any image, logo, quote, etc., that you desire. This gives the user a more personalized and intimate product, that looks great with or without your headphones.
Click to learn more about EarBuddy below:
http://www.creatingeconomicopportunity.ceo/prjctearbuddy/
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Where We Are -
Coming this far has not been easy. It has taken a combination of direct financial support from Bruno Chima, estimated to be in the area of $20,000+, and smaller contributions from a select number of team members in order to stay afloat. However this model is not sustainable. Our commitment to our members is that we will give them the best experience without ever having to worry about any financial burden.
So for that reason we've decided never to charge dues, or require money from our student members in order to work on these projects. To keep this promise, we must generate funds in some other manner, and that is why we are turning to you, the general public, for help.
We need funding to take us from where we're at, to where we plan to go. If you want to be a part of the process, this is your chance to help.
- What We Need to Keep Us Going -
Milestone 1 | Establish A HomeBase - $15,000
In order to expand and to continue to give young entrepreneurs an opportunity to develop their ideas, we at CEO need our own equipment and workspace. The majority of the projects that we pursue require prototyping and testing. To facilitate this process of experimentation, we need tools likes saws, nail guns, sheet metal shears, etc. One of the most helpful pieces of equipment this campaign would aid in purchasing is a 3D printer, which would be crucial to producing our own prototypes so that we do not rely on 3rd parties for them, thus expediting the advancement of our projects. Having our own place would allow us to have a home base that we can use as a storage facility for our prototypes, and it would allow us to have a designated worksite where we could keep tools and other equipment.
Milestone 2 | Fund Current Projects - $30,000
Two of the main projects currently being worked on are the CornerOffice and EarBuddy. While both projects are well underway in their development process, both are short on funding crucial to taking the next step with each idea. For CornerOffice, the money would allow us to order about 100 units of the newest version. As for EarBuddy, the additional funds would help cover the cost of molding the final prototype, while the remaining money would be used to place the first order of 3,000 units of the finalized product. On top of these two projects, we are currently in the early stages of pursuing a third, which would require money for development and prototyping.
Milestone 3 | Create A Team Scholarship - $75,000
Each member of CEO dedicates an immense amount of time, effort, and energy into making our organization great. With this in mind, we have set out with the intention of helping to subsidize their schooling costs through the creation of a scholarship program. We see the scholarship program as a way to reward an individual that goes above and beyond on a consistent basis. It will allow the organization to identify team members that have worked to develop themselves as leaders and encourage their peers to do the same. Once the program is establish, it will be a perfect way to help ecourage new members, as well as motivate current members to go the extra mile, in bettering themselves and those around them.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
This GoFundMe is just the beginning. We have big plans for the future. This opens up the door for many other opportunities for you to get involved:
1. Investment - By investing in CEO, you would be empowering the next generation of young minds to pursue endeavors that have the potential to significantly help improve our world.
Contact [E-Mail ausgeblendet] to begin a discussion.
2. Sponsorships - Becoming a sponsor of CEO is a win-win partnership. You are publicly supporting a group of young individuals that are willing to sacrifice countless hours of work in order to capitalize on entrepreneurial activities. Your guidance, support, and resources will be highly beneficial for us moving forward. Thank you.
Any interested companies please contact us at [E-Mail ausgeblendet]
3. First Chapter - Although we are a relatively new organization, we have seen a great deal of success in a short amount of time. We believe the root of this success is due to the collaborative environment that is produced when like-minded driven individuals come together. We want to put this opportunity in front of as many students nationwide as possible.
If CEO belongs in your school, do not hesitate to contact us at [E-Mail ausgeblendet]
CLOSING STATEMENTS
- Your Chance to Chip In -
Picture this… You have an idea. You’ve created a solid plan for it. You have the team, the prototype, and after going over everything with a fine-tooth comb, you are left with a quality final product that can be taken to market and sold to consumers.
Now, despite all this, you lack one key detail — capital. You are CEO. All of the great innovations that have not been pursued because of a lack of funding is CEO. CEO is the embodiment and evidence that a talented group of young individuals can come together to learn and create something significant that others can benefit from. Its proof that the American Spirit is alive and well in the hearts of young men and women of this nation.
This is YOUR call to action.
We are Creating Economic Opportunity. Help Us Create More.
- Thank You's -
Our organization and its members would like to extend its gratitiude to all of those who have helped us make it this far. Without your constant support, sacrifice, and belief, the success that we have had so far would not be possible. We would like to awknoweldge those who have shown us outstanding support including:
Tony Pirelli - UConn Foundation, Manager
Thomas Menard - Alix, Yale, & Ristas Law Firm L.L.P.
Telmo Costa - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
Robert Pilney - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
Robert Hawley - University of Connecticut Co-Op Bookstore, Manager
Sherry Hanson - Bed Bath & Beyond, Purchasing Manager
Sharon Norfleet - United Technologies Corporation (UTC)
Michael Zilinek - Platt Technical HS, CADD Dept.
Lisa Hickey - Belimo Air Controls Inc.
Kyle Vashalifski - Webster Bank Co.
Joel Hintz - Staples Inc., Purchasing Manager
Jeremy Berman - Founder, DreamSeeDo Platform
Jack Antonich - Connecticut Technology Council
Gerson DaSilva - Webster Bank Co.
Erik Knight - Inventor, Serial Entrepreneur, UConn Alum & EIR
David Menard - Murtha Cullina Law Firm L.L.P.
Christopher Pisarz - Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Ayotunde Williams - Belimo Air Controls Inc.
Ali Gokirmak, PhD. - University of Connecticut Prof.
Alan Tan - Tan 2000 International Regulatory Corporation
Thank you.
Organisator
Creáting Econõmic Opportunitÿ
Organisator
Storrs, CT