Provo High Student Kara Miller’s Business Proposal Wins $10,000 Prize in Invest Nest Provo’s 3rd Round, Advances to State

April 11th, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
CTE, News, Provo CAPS, Provo High, Schools, Secondary Schools, Timpview High

The latest chapter of Invest Nest Provo, Round 3, has again illuminated its student participants’ boundless creativity and entrepreneurial zeal. From innovative solutions like Kara Miller’s O.R.C.A. (Overage Recovery Company of America), which secured her a well-deserved $10,000 grand prize and a ticket to the state competition, to the culinary enterprise of Elijah Frandsen’s Quail Valley Bread, to Daniel Beutlar’s efficient lawn care solutions via Mission Mowing and Lawn Care, the competition demonstrated its commitment to fostering practical, impactful entrepreneurial skills among the youth.

The panel of judges comprises esteemed professionals: Dan Jimenez, President and CPO of Chatbooks, Brandon Ball, CFO at Blue Diamond Capital, LLC, Ray Smithson, Entrepreneur, Consultant and Mentor, and Deborah Davis, Chief Audit Executive at Utah State Board of Education. Their broad experience and expertise across multiple sectors was perfectly suited the diversity of projects, which was particularly striking. Comparing Spencer Whatcott and Owen Bjarnson’s eco-conscious Wheely Clean Detailing to Imogene Meredith’s Cursed Cats chic contemporary brand, Invest Nest clearly sees diverse students with unique ideas.

At the top of the competition stands Kara Miller. Having competed over the past semesters, Kara has refined her project into an exceptionally lucrative business proposal, demonstrating remarkable potential with compelling statistics to back her vision. The comprehensive development of O.R.C.A, which includes meticulous real-world work– SWOT analysis, extensive brand research, you name it, she’s meticulously refined her proposal to demonstrate a solid foundation for success. Impressively, Kara achieved this level of sophistication and business acumen before graduating high school; her business has already netted her actual gains, proving that her company can succeed and will succeed with further funding.

Invest Nest Provo’s mission is more than just the competition; it’s about preparing students for the future, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. As these students move on to state competitions and beyond, they carry their projects and the invaluable experience of being part of a community that cherishes innovation and entrepreneurship. For their efforts, student finalists in Round 3 of the competition won monetary prizes to help them continue to grow their businesses.

Here is our list of prize winners:

1st place – $10,000:

Kara Miller – O.R.C.A

2nd place – $5,000:

Sylie Robison – Babadrip

3rd place – $2,000:

Olivia LeCheminant – OliviaJane.FloralCo

$500 Winners for Round 3:

Elijah Frandsen – Quail Valley Bread
Spencer Whatcott & Owen Bjarnson – Wheely Clean Detailing
Imogene Meredith – Cursed Cats
Blake Baker – VELO Motor Sports
Daniel Beutler – Mission Mowing and Lawn Care

Audience Favorite Award:

Olivia LeCheminant: $200

This celebration of young talent goes beyond just the winners. Every Invest Nest Provo participant deserves applause for their hard work, creativity, and courage in presenting their ideas to the world. These students have used their academic learning and personal interests to create feasible projects that address genuine market needs.

As we look forward to the state competition, we celebrate the winners and all Invest Nest Provo Round 3 participants. To all the students who’ve come this far, your passion and perseverance are commendable, and we thank you all for joining us and supporting Invest Nest each year.

Keep an eye out for an article on the state competition!