Batavia, NY (04/07/2026) — Every successful business begins with a strong idea-but it’s the pitch that brings that idea to life. Whether you’re trying to win over customers or secure funding, your pitch needs to be clear, compelling, and memorable. That’s where GCC can help.
If you have a business concept you’re excited about but aren’t sure how it will resonate with others, consider taking part in GCC’s 8th Annual Business Idea Pitch Competition on Thursday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus.
This free, public event invites aspiring entrepreneurs to present their ideas in a supportive, real-world setting. Participants will compete for prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place, with awards recognizing both the “most likely to succeed” and “most creative” concepts. A panel of local business professionals will evaluate each pitch.
“A well-crafted pitch is a critical step in turning an idea into a viable business,” said Dr. Lina LaMattina, director of Business Programs at GCC. “This competition gives participants the chance to develop their ideas, strengthen their presentation skills, and gain valuable feedback from experienced professionals.”
Those interested in participating or learning more must register by emailing Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu by Friday, April 10, 2026.
Many startups struggle due to limited business knowledge and experience. Rather than risking costly missteps, aspiring entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation through education. Genesee Community College offers a range of degree, certificate, and micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship designed to help future business owners and investors succeed. Learn more at https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/entrepreneurship/.
For more information, please contact Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu
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Batavia, NY (04/02/2026) — Genesee Community College is proud to announce that tickets are now available for the 45th Annual Fashion Show, ANTI-TERRESTRIAL, taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena on the College’s main campus in Batavia, New York.
Presented by GCC’s Fashion Business Program, ANTI-TERRESTRIAL explores the intersection of design, society, and morality. It challenges participants to consider how human beings shape the worlds they inhabit through shared values, norms, and aesthetics and, in turn, how those worlds shape them. Designers will create collections inspired by the idea of building new societies, using universal elements to define the characteristics, values, and visual identity of these imagined civilizations.
Designed, constructed, upcycled and styled by GCC’s Fashion Business students, each collection represents months of planning, research, and design development, culminating in one of Western New York’s most anticipated student-led events.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 5 p.m. (Doors Open), 7 p.m. (Fashion Show)
- Location: Richard C. Call Arena, GCC Batavia Campus
- Address: One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Ticket Options:
- VIP Experience – $50 Available online only through April 20, 2026 (or until sold out). Includes: pre-show reception with hors d’oeuvres, Fashion Technology Fashion Experience, swag bag, magic mirrors & photo opportunities, student gallery wall display, and preferential seating at the fashion show
- General Admission – $15 online / $20 at the door (cash only). Includes: magic mirrors & photo opportunities, student gallery wall display, general admission seating at the 7 p.m. fashion show.
- GCC Students – FREE (show GCC ID at the door). GCC students can receive one free general admission ticket when reserved online by May 1, 2026.
- Tickets are available now at: gccfashionshow.com
This year’s fashion show offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for businesses, organizations and individuals interested in supporting the GCC Fashion Business program. For more information, please contact Associate Professor of Fashion, Business and Merchandising Laura Taylor at ljtaylor@genesee.edu. Don’t miss out on this exciting event, celebrating the talent of GCC’s Fashion Business students.
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