Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration is my dog Poncho, who my business is named after. He passed away in 2022, but he represents loyalty, energy, and always showing up. Naming the business after him keeps the work personal and reminds me to build something meaningful and consistent, even when things are uncertain.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by focusing on progress and building something real over time. Whether it’s improving my system, reaching out to businesses, or finishing projects, each step moves things forward. Entrepreneurship isn’t always exciting, so I rely on consistency and discipline more than motivation.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funding to strengthen the foundation of Poncho Entertainment by upgrading equipment, improving ponchoentertainment.com, and building a small team of student creators. The goal is to create a scalable, structured system that helps local businesses stay consistently visible online, starting in Western NY, expanding across NYS and beyond, while creating real opportunities for students.