Presentations spanned the spectrum of industries — and even created industries of their own. From stock trading algorithms, to road-trip planning apps, to programs that calculate the best way to produce a chemical compound, students brought their best ideas in an attempt to secure a portion of the $5,000.

Because of AI’s market growth — projected to hit 4.8 trillion by 2033, according to UN Trade and Development — the anniversary symposium invited Baylor and other universities’ staff to research and present ideas on the ways AI will change business communication, strategy and employment rates.

Argyle sophomore Avery Mortman and her mother, Michelle Mortman, brought a fresh sense of style to downtown Waco when they opened their boutique Golden Green in November, offering a carefully curated selection of trendy and timeless pieces.

Beyond making custom cookies, Keith also enjoys sharing her craft through cookie decorating workshops. She hosted classes in January and February and has another planned for April 12 at McLennan Community College from 10 a.m. to noon for $69.

“So we’re helping the entrepreneur ecosystem,” Martin said. “In addition to helping starters raise funding, we also help angel groups find members … we also help VC funds find limited partners, primarily family offices.”

“I hope that all these families will be prepared, that they will be less stressed and that they know that they have support during unexpected circumstances,” Ritchie said.

“Meeting presidents, attending high-profile events — it was exhilarating. But more importantly, understanding how politics influenced the business world and vice versa was an education no classroom could provide,” Limbers said.

Most students focus on grades, their jobs, relationships and more during their years at college. On top of all that, Rockwall senior Laney Sledge runs her very own boutique.

“Don’t even worry about failing,” he said. “Don’t even worry about the logistics, right? You start first. You bully yourself into starting, and then you figure everything else out as it comes.”

Amy Murphy, former manager of two Shipley Do-Nuts in Waco, said she went through the FastTrac Program 20 years ago and continues to apply what she learned about business during those 10 weeks in her current profession of social work.

One student entrepreneur team will walk away with $25,000 next week at Baylor’s New Venture competition. The students are pitching their business plans to judges in hopes of winning the cash prize and receiving some feedback from business experts.

The 12 competing finalists have passed the first two rounds of judging and will present their business plans March 1-2 for the last leg of the competition.