Local student’s business idea wins entrepreneurship contest

TWIN BRIDGES  -- Twin Bridges High School student Mhanon Sullivan recently received second place honors in the Montana Teenpreneur Roundup. Sullivan’s business idea, The Comfort Critter, proposes to develop an app-linked animal toy that plays the owner’s voice in order to reduce anxiety-related behaviors pets can exhibit when left alone at home. 

Business education teacher Jody Sandru sponsored Sullivan’s submission. This is the third consecutive year that Sandru’s students have earned top honors in the Roundup.

Montana Teenpreneur Roundup is an annual competition for high school students hosted by the Bozeman-based nonprofit One Montana. The Roundup provides an opportunity for Montana’s next generation of innovators and business leaders to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Students compete in two categories: existing businesses and ideas for innovative new products and services. Over 80 students participated this year.

Sullivan will receive a cash prize for her achievement during the awards ceremony hosted by Gov. Bullock in April. In addition, she will have an opportunity to hone her business skills during an all-expenses-paid four-day entrepreneurship workshop hosted by One Montana, MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship and MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad in June.

Reflecting on Sullivan’s achievement, Jim Masker, program manager for One Montana, noted, “Mhanon is a shining example of the creativity, grit and business savvy that exists today among Montana teens. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our state’s future.”

To see a video of Sullivan’s pitch, visit: https://vimeo.com/322877368/70fa3c2a2b