PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has announced Jarod McGuire and his company Broadcast•GG as the Spring 2024 Innovation Challenge winner, marking the sixth year of the Big Pitch competition organized by PVCC’s Entrepreneurship Education Center (EEC). Broadcast•GG is a talent hub, job board, and esports resource for tournament organizers and broadcast talent.

The competition featured 14 participants who showcased a diverse array of ideas. The field was narrowed to seven finalists who presented their concepts to a panel of judges, including PVCC faculty Dr. Sean Petty, interim dean of Career and Technical Education; Carol Pool, business analyst for Maricopa SBDC; former Carefree Mayor Lester Peterson; and Alika Kumar, executive director of the Arizona Minority Business Development.

McGuire received a $1,500 reward for his winning entry. “The Big Pitch has been a fantastic opportunity to share my goals and ideas for my company,” said McGuire. He plans to invest in web development to launch the next phase of Broadcast•GG by the end of the upcoming summer semester.

Michelle Owens took second prize with her family-owned soul food and barbecue business Baystyle BBQ, earning $1,000. Rachel Miller secured third place with Dosha Healing Center, which specializes in holistic health care services including Ayurvedic practices.

Other finalists included Anna Saavedra with Little Champions Child Care Services; Matthew Mouritsen with PhxFlix; Joseph Luther with Not Your Average Joe’s Coffee; and Christina Keating with My Prittie Kittie.

Dr. Kishore Dash, director of the EEC and competition mentor, remarked on the high caliber of talent displayed this year. “Many participants were already at early stages of revenue generation with their companies,” said Dash. “Watching each finalist bring their A-game was exciting and inspiring.”

For more information on the EEC or participation details in future competitions held biannually in spring and fall, visit PVCC's website or contact kishore.dash@paradisevalley.edu.