ERIE, PA --- eBizITPA is proud to announce Calc Tech LLC, as the Fifth Annual Northwest PA College Business Plan Competition Winner. Business Plans presented on Saturday, April 10th included a new winery, metal forming design, mathematical software systems, Web site software, medical identification, archery, and transportation advertising businesses.

Steve Suchora, business developer of Calc Tech LLC, had the idea of a SAT calculator aid. The pitched idea involves calculator software which enables high school students to efficiently use their calculators while taking standardized testing. When asked what he would do with the award, Suchora said, “I plan to invest some of my winnings in advertising and some towards law school expenses”. He also stated “I enjoyed watching different presentations and seeing other ideas and level of innovations in northwest PA”.

The second place winner, Patrick Walsh, developed the 6 Mile Cellars winery concept.  Mr. Walsh will put the award to use by purchasing equipment and materials for his facility. Walsh also said he enjoyed applying what he learned in the classroom to real life experience. Michelle Mula who took third place with her medical identification business plan intends to use her award for educational and business development expenses.

Participating students were eligible to win $5,000 in cash prizes plus $8,000 in business development expenses.  Sponsors of the event include the Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology (eBizITPA), the Keystone Innovation Zones (KIZ) of Northwest PA, Erie and Tri-County, SCORE Chapter 193 and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Cash awards of $3,000, $1,500, and $500 were presented to Steve Suchora, Patrick Walsh, and Michelle Mula, respectively.

The top three winners were among 59 college team entrants in total.  Students from Allegheny College, Clarion University, Edinboro University, Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Penn State Dubois, Thiel College, and the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville were eligible to participate. Cash prizes won by college students may be used for entrepreneurial or educational pursuits.

eBizITPA assists Pennsylvania businesses and organizations with understanding, using and developing information technologies to grow the economy.  The Erie Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) program is a state funded initiative which has a mission to support technology-based new start-up businesses and to assist in commercializing university-based new technologies.

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