Lawrenceburg students showcase entrepreneurism during competition

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Genesis: Pathways to Success recently hosted the annual D.I.C.E. Challenge which showcases business ideas by high schoolers.

There were nine teams from Lawrenceburg, Oldenburg Academy and South Ripley high schools who spent a semester creating a product or service and developing a business plan. 

The teams competed on December 5 and the top three finishers received an investment into their futures. 

Lawrenceburg senior CharLeigh Combs won first place for her business called CharLeigh’s Creations. It is a home bakery that sells cakes, cupcakes and specialty treats. Combs received $3,000 to expand her business goals. 

Related: Combs recently used her home bakery to help the less fortunate in Dearborn County. Read that story here. 

Second place went to Lawrenceburg’s Alahna Beinkemper & Maliyah Salter who created StressLess Box. It is a curated self-care package designed to help individuals manage daily stress by providing convenient tools for relaxation, focus, and emotional well-being. They received $2,000 as part of their reward. 

Lawrenceburg sophomore Mateo Rico finished in third place for the Your Magic business which offers custom magic shows for all ages and events. He received a $1,000 investment into the business. 

Genesis: Pathways to Success entrepreneurial program coordinator Lori Rennekamp said students ideas were inspiring.

“They showed creativity, courage, and true entrepreneurial thinking. Whether they walked away with a check or not, every student left as a true winner—confident, experienced, and ready to turn bold ideas into impact,” stated Lori Rennekamp, Genesis: Pathways to Success Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator. 

The success of this year’s D.I.C.E. Challenge was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Batesville Tool and Die, Batesville, Fifth Third Bank, Franklin County Community Foundation, Hillenbrand, Pulskamp FlooringPlus, Ripley County Community Foundation, The Joan & John Hillenbrand VISION Fund For Innovation, and The Friendship State Bank. 

To learn more information about the D.I.C.E Challenge, please contact Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator, Lori Rennekamp, by emailing lrennekamp@genesisp2s.org or calling (812) 933-1098