The Management and Entrepreneur Leadership Organization (MELO) at CUNY SPS serves as a vital hub for students passionate about entrepreneurship and business innovation. The organization fosters creative thinking and provides a platform for students to develop, refine, and present their business ideas.
One of its flagship events, the MELO Ideation Event, was held in December 2024, offering students an opportunity to pitch their entrepreneurial concepts before a panel of business professionals and faculty judges.
This year’s event provided a unique opportunity for students to formally present their ideas in a professional setting. Among them, “Good Job”—an educational tool developed by CUNY SPS business student Corey Pettway—captured the judges’ attention and secured first place for its practicality and impact.
Meet Corey Pettway and “Good Job”
Corey Pettway has a diverse professional background, ranging from electrical work and facilities management to nonprofit leadership. He began his academic journey studying engineering at CUNY City College but left before completing his degree to pursue employment and entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years, he built and managed businesses, including an online company that generated over $40 million in sales. Recognizing the importance of formal education, he returned to CUNY SPS to strengthen his business knowledge and pursue new opportunities.
His winning idea, Good Job, is a STEM-focused educational tool designed to enhance math and English literacy skills among young learners. The tool leverages positive reinforcement by encouraging educators to provide praise and motivational feedback when students complete tasks successfully, fostering engagement and confidence in the classroom.
Q&A with Corey Pettway
The Kiosk: What inspired you to participate in the MELO Ideation Event?
Corey Pettway: As a business student, I receive frequent updates about student opportunities. The MELO competition stood out as a chance to formally structure my idea and present it to a professional audience. It was a challenge I wanted to take on.
What challenges did you face in preparing for your pitch?
CP: The strict three-minute time limit was tough. I had to ensure that my presentation was concise yet impactful. I used Microsoft PowerPoint and ScreenPal to refine my pitch and I incorporated well-researched data to make my case stronger.
How does Good Job benefit students and educators?
CP: Many young students struggle with motivation when it comes to learning fundamental subjects. Good Job offers a structured way to integrate positive reinforcement into lesson plans, helping students stay engaged. The tool aligns with the New York State Common Core curriculum, making it a practical addition to classrooms.
Did you have any mentors or support systems that helped you along the way?
CP: Yes, I had valuable input from educators and mental health professionals who helped me fine-tune my idea. Their insights ensured that Good Job addresses real classroom challenges and can be effectively implemented.
What’s next for Good Job?
CP: I plan to collaborate with business professors from the event’s judging panel to develop a peer-reviewed research journal. This will help establish credibility and showcase Good Job as a viable educational tool. Long-term, I hope to bring this project into classrooms and expand its reach.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
CP: Understanding your numbers is key. Business owners need to grasp basic accounting principles to maintain profitability. Learn the essentials—income statements, cash flow management, and balance sheets—before scaling a business. Before hiring someone to count your beans, make sure you know how to earn them.
Your Chance to Compete
If Corey’s journey has inspired you, consider taking part in one of the upcoming student entrepreneurial competitions:
- CUNY Clash: Application deadline February 28, 2025: A business pitch competition where students can develop and present their ideas to industry professionals for funding and mentorship. The winning idea will take home $10,000.
- New York Business Plan Competition: Application deadline March 1, 2025: A prestigious contest allowing students to showcase their business plans and compete for cash prizes. The winning idea will take home $25,000.
The deadlines are quickly approaching, so now is the time to refine your ideas and take a leap into entrepreneurship!
