Ivy Tech Community College−Northeast is announcing the three finalists of the New Venture Competition, a business plan contest that will award at least $20,000 in start-up capital to the champion at the end of June. The finalists are Marc Accilien, Steven Miller and Jon-Paul Capito.

All three finalists are students or recent alumni of Ivy Tech Community College−Northeast. Finalist Marc Accilien is a student of Business Administration. His concept, Accilien Percussion, will produce customized percussion instruments. Finalist Steven Miller is also a student in Business Administration. His business concept is Mobile Pizza Express, a mobile pizza restaurant. Finalist Jon-Paul Capito is an alumnus of the Business Administration program. His company is DeRossi, which makes custom menswear.

“These students are working hard and smart. Their business concepts represent a wide range,” said Jim Tolbert. “The judges will have a difficult time selecting a champion. If this were a horse race, it will be a photo finish.”

The champion of New Venture Competition will be announced June 28 at an awards ceremony. The champion will be selected by a panel of judges that night and will receive at least $20,000 to launch his own business.

The New Venture Competition is possible due to a generous $20,000 donation from JB Tool, Die & Engineering, Inc. The competition is also in collaboration with Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and Fort Wayne SCORE. New Venture Competition was created to promote economic development and job creation through a business plan competition. This is the second year the competition has taken place. Last year’s champion was Olivia Fabian, owner of OFabz Swimwear. For more information about the New Venture Competition, visit IvyTech.edu/newventure.