9th Annual Business Plan Competition

Local Entrants Share Turner College Business Plan Competition Prize

Columbus State University student Shannon Eshman and local residents Suhyoon and Daniel Wood were the big winners of the 9th Annual Business Plan Competition sponsored by the Turner College of Business at CSU. The 2020 co-winners each received a check for $1,500.

Sharing the top prize, Eshman presented a plan for Able-Fi, an app that uses visuals, written step-by-step instructions, and behavioral rehearsal to teach functional daily living skills to people with disabilities. Eshman’s app also includes progress monitoring software that can assist teachers and parents in evaluating the progress made by users of the app. “I am so appreciative that I got to present the business plan for Able-Fi at CSU’s Turner Business Plan Competition,” Eshman said.

Joining Eshman in the winner’s circle were Suhyoon and Daniel Wood, who presented a plan for Beejou Craft Kombucha. Their business plan focused not only on their product, but also on the current market and how the success of their business would bring economic diversity to Columbus. Since the initial competition, the Woods have opened a brick and mortar location and have enjoyed consecutively successful months that have exceeded their initial expectations. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 Business Plan Competition was held virtually, with the two finalists presenting their plans to the judges via video conference. The 2020 judges were Rod Barham, Lou Childs, David Mitchell, Jack Goldfrank, and Steve Taylor. Barham, a retired U. S. Army Brigadier and Turner College of Business alumnus, co-owns Bookkeeping Illuminations, Inc., a local company. Childs is the co-founder of Slumberpod, a company featured on the popular television show “Shark Tank.” Mitchell is the director of Enterprise Development at CSU. Goldfrank is the executive-in-residence in the Turner College of Business. Taylor is a retired entrepreneur and Turner College of Business alumnus.