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The John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, part of the Sykes College of Business at The University of Tampa, this week selected the 2024-2025 cohort of its Spartan Incubator program. This dynamic program, designed to cultivate business ideas from recent graduates and early-stage community businesses, is set to begin on Aug. 20, offering participants the opportunity to transform their entrepreneurial visions into reality.

The Spartan Incubator is a live lab environment that fosters business growth and personal development. The program leverages the expertise of University of Tampa faculty and offers personalized coaching and connections within a top-ranked entrepreneurship program to provide business founders with the tools and support needed to refine their ideas, sharpen their pitches and build successful businesses.

This year's selection process introduced a twist inspired by the popular TV show The Voice. Applicants were given five minutes to pitch their ideas in the Lowth Center’s Pitch Room, followed by three minutes of Q&A from mentor coaches. Then, 12 founders were picked based on their potential to innovate and impact the entrepreneurial landscape.

The 2024-2025 Spartan Incubator Cohort:

• Salvator DeBenedetto ’24 and Owen Cascio ’24 – PartPal, an online platform to find car parts at lower prices and auto-repair shops to install
• Adrienne Falcone Godsell – The Food Whisperer, videos to teach others how to prepare meals in minutes
• Jamilet Figueroa – Habla y Lenguaje, a speech therapy app offered in English and Spanish
• Kyle Franklin – Moshoboga, an app that suggests streaming shows based on friends’ preferences
• Patrick Istefanidis M.S. ’24 and Kathleen Dorta – Timeless Tapes, a white-glove service to convert memories on old media to digital
• Rachael Kierych – Versus, legal software with unique security features
• Terrance King – Clean Box, an automated bathing machine for those who need bathing assistance
• Sarah Krolik ’20, M.A. ’23 – You Plan, a customizable time-management product
• Martin Lakovic ’22 and Stevo Lugonja – Healthy Bite Supplements, health and wellness products for pets
• Jonathan Locust Jr. – Conscirise, a spiritual wellness and consciousness platform
• Terry Perenich and Mohammad Ali – Tripsora, an app that prepares trip itineraries and bookings
• Stephanie Philpot – Eczema Sample Store, a mail-delivery service to try specialized skin products

“The Spartan Incubator is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship at the University of Tampa,” said Rebecca White, director of the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center. “This program not only provides our founders with the resources and mentorship they need but also focuses on developing their entrepreneurial mindset — an essential component of long-term success.”

Josh Ray, new venture advisor, added, “The level of innovation and drive we’ve seen during the selection process is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to working closely with these founders as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of building their businesses.”

The Spartan Incubator program continues to cement its place as a leading force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a nurturing environment where early-stage businesses can thrive. The program’s blend of expert guidance, tailored coaching and practical experience prepares participants not just to launch a business, but to lead it with confidence and vision.

For more information about the Spartan Incubator program and other initiatives at the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, please visit ut.edu/entrepreneurcenter or contact the center directly.