Submissions for the second V3 Challenge are no longer accepted.

New submissions will be accepted again late summer.

The Rowland School of Business (RSB) at Point Park University and Above to Below present the Biannual Vigor, Vibe and Venture (V3) Challenge. Anyone with a concept, product, or an existing business is encouraged to compete in this unique opportunity. We will infuse [vigor] in the form of $10,000 as we assist you in enhancing your entrepreneurial [vibe] know-how, and work to allow your idea [venture] to blossom.

Our goal is to make a meaningful impact upon your life-story. This is NOT just another venture capital competition that gives money to companies with a proven track record; this is a competition for everyone - all walks of life, all stages of the concept or business.

Through distinctive, experiential learning opportunities, the Rowland School of Business at Point Park University is building one of the most dynamic business education programs in the nation. Through collaboration with Pittsburgh’s leading corporate and non-profit entities, civil and community organizations and leadership, Point Park University students are offered real-world work experience, enabling them to compete and excel when they graduate, and beyond.

The V3 Challenge is a unique platform to give back to the University that challenged and propelled the benefactor to achieve success. Through Above to Below, a business consulting firm, this challenge will connect the Point Park University to Pittsburgh businesses for the purpose of providing students with experiential opportunities, both in and out of the classroom.

Applicants of the V3 Challenge will have the opportunity to work with the University and students to help further their understanding more formal aspects of business, such as (but not limited to) financial projections, marketing strategies, and business plans.

The winner of the V3 Challenge will receive an investment of $10,000, an entrepreneurial mentorship from Above to Below in the form of monthly check-ins for one year, and the opportunity to present to at least one Point Park University class and at least one Rowland School of Business event on their journey.

2021 submissions will be accepted from February 1 until May 15th 11:59pm (extended).

In your 5-minute (or less) video, show us that you are ALL in and tell us:

• About your concept, product, or business.
• Your story, what challenges have you overcome in your life?
• How will this money change your life and your business?
• What critical feedback do you continually receive or what is one of your weaknesses?
• What is your vision for your future?

The form can be found below.

1. Mat Davis has been a firefighter for over 15 years climbing through the ranks and is currently the Fire Chief of Dormont Fire Department. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration as well as his Master’s in Business Administration at Point Park University. He currently attends the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Mat was born and raised in Pittsburgh where he still resides with his wife Aimee and son Evan.
   
   
2. Mark Faldowski earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played football for the Black Knights. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and was stationed in Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Washington. He had the privilege of serving in the 25th Infantry Division as well as the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his time on active duty, Mark served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving active duty, he worked for Shale Land Services, an oil & gas brokerage firm in the greater Pittsburgh area. Mark earned his Masters in Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame and currently works in the Investment Banking Division for UBS. He resides in New York City with his fiance, Amy.
   
   
3. Jennifer Ferris-Glick is the co-owner of Above to Below (AtB), a Pittsburgh-based business consulting firm. Jennifer hails from a long line of entrepreneurs beginning with her German immigrant great grandparents who owned and operated Standard Metal, down to her parents who own Salem Millwork and Truss.
   
   Jennifer graduated from Seton Hill University with degrees in Art Therapy + Psychology and a focus on Women's Studies. She completed graduate work at Bucknell University in Experimental Psychology + Animal Behavior, and continued Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning research at Carnegie Mellon University until 2014. Jennifer has owned 5 businesses across several sectors, including clothing lines, wellness centers, and dog care facilities (The Dog Stop - Sewickley).
   
   Jennifer provides a safe 'space' for business leaders to explore their internal aspirations and desires by asking difficult questions, and making direct, intuitive observations. She combines her academic, psychology, and business milieu to provide a framework for clients to move into business models that are agile, lean, and true to their respective leadership.
   
   
4. Patrick Mulvihill, D.Ed., is an assistant professor of management and chair of the Department of Management in the Rowland School of Business. Prior to this position, Mulvihill was an academic information analyst at Point Park and a part-time instructor for both the School of Business and Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies. In addition, he was co-developer and instructor of Point Park's Allegheny Intermediate Unit Apprenticeship Program. Before that, Mulvihill worked in the roles of administrative systems analyst and technology integration manager at the University and was a guest lecturer for the School of Communication. Before coming to Point Park, Mulvihill was an academic advisor for South University, a technical specialist for PNC Bank and a product coordinator for Fisher Scientific.
   
   
5. Andrea M. Robinson is President And Co-owner of Prime Air Specialty Gases Inc, (a full service package gas and equipment supply company). As a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, she has extensive experience in business to business transactions and management amongst local businesses. With a background nationally in Chemical Distribution and Manufacturing she has been servicing the Chemical Industry for years supplying raw chemicals and additives. This experience has increased her drive to be more quality conscious and customer service oriented. Andrea has held many prestigious positions within the distribution industry from Product Management, Price Analyst for Executive Leadership, and North America Account Manager. Her role within manufacturing companies has increased her analytical ability to understand market trends, analyze cost and saving, execute a favorable selling price to the consumers, and execute efficient supply chains. She advanced her career as CEO of ARCLS, a Consulting Firm focused on aiding C-suite corporations in organizationally structuring their processes to achieve higher initiatives, and focusing on being inclusive of women, minorities, and veterans. She alongside her daughter Morgan successfully opened and operated Sugar and Smoke, a full service restaurant. Andrea achieved her respected MBA in International Business from Point Park University after obtaining a marketing degree from Edinboro University.
   
   
6. Steve Tanzilli, J.D., is the dean of the Rowland School of Business, and in this role he has broad oversight of all academic programs.
   
   These include accounting, business management, economics and finance, HR management, information technology, organizational leadership, public administration, MBA, M.S. in health care administration and management and the sports, arts and entertainment management (SAEM) program, which includes innovative learning efforts such as a dedicated classroom at Stage AE on Pittsburgh's North Shore and Pioneer Records. With expertise in sports management, Tanzilli is the co-founder of the SAEM program, in which he served as a professor and chair.
   
   Tanzilli serves the Rowland School of Business and its dedicated faculty, who work with Point Park University students every day to ensure they are workplace ready. He continually works to create mutually beneficial partnerships with the corporate community and is taking all the necessary steps to continue to transform the Rowland School of Business into a true learning laboratory for the University's students, alumni and the business community.
   
   As dean, Tanzilli's main focus areas include connecting students to the industry through robust internships and Point Park's cooperative educational program while delivering innovative classes and continually assessing academic offerings. His overall goal is to provide students with the practical skill sets they need to be successful not just in the professional arena, but in life as well.
   
   Prior to becoming dean, Tanzilli ran his own sports talent agency, Sports Legends Group, a full-service marketing, finance and law firm for professional athletes. He has worked with players from the Pittsburgh Steelers and other high profile clients. His background includes 12 years of experience with 141 Worldwide Sports and Entertainment where he worked closely with clients such as Coca-Cola, 84 Lumber, Sunoco, TOPPS, ESPN, and Kraft Foods. In addition, Tanzilli has worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Johnston Steel Baseball Club, International Sports Marketing and Communicator Sports Marketing.
   

Through the months of May and November the judging panel will pare down the candidates to 10 finalists who will compete in a challenging, in-person presentation at a Rowland School of Business at Point Park University event.

Vigor, Vibe and Venture are the words that are the cornerstone principles behind Above to Below's business framework. These principles will be used to assess the V3 candidates - and eventually taught.

• VIGOR: The energy, effort and enthusiasm behind the candidate for their concept/product/business.
• VIBE: The emotional state felt and communicated by the candidate regarding their determination, vision, and ability to handle stressful and challenging situations.
• VENTURE: The initiative, resourcefulness and ability to take risks regarding the concept/product/business. We assess the business aspects such as (but not limited to): viability, financial return, analysis of competition, etc.

info@v3challenge.com