Annual competition spotlights student innovation, celebrates enduring legacy of Jeffrey Buntin Sr.
Ten students across multiple disciplines pitched their businesses to a panel of guest judges in a competition for cash prizes at the Buntin Pitch Competition, April 8.
Belmont’s Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship teaches students that anyone — no matter the discipline — can be an entrepreneur. Through the Cone Center, students in any major are provided resources, have chances to make connections and are welcomed into an innovative, supportive community that champions their business ventures.
Buntin Collaboration & Legacy
The Buntin Initiative, sponsored by the Buntin Family, is a collaboration between the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Watkins College of Art, the College of Music & Performing Arts, O'More College of Architecture & Design and the Jack C. Massey College of Business.
Since its inception in 2023, the Buntin Pitch Competition has awarded $15,000 to fuel student startups. The competition’s namesake Jeffrey Buntin Sr., who passed in September 2024, continues to leave a legacy of hope and entrepreneurial empowerment.
“He was an entrepreneur and a creative and someone with incredible zest and enthusiasm for life. To be in his presence was to be infected with a sense of joy and laughter,” said President Dr. Greg Jones.
2025 Buntin Pitch Competition Winners
Marco Cassar, Knit to Knit — 1st Place, $2,500
The story behind the brand:
Knit To Knit is a web-based platform — currently open to a small group of beta testers — that allows users to create, design and resize knitting patterns. By inputting desired dimensions, users generate a pattern base they can visualize and modify with specific stitching and designs. The platform then provides a step-by-step guide to help users knit their created patterns. Future plans include integrating yarn suppliers and launching a marketplace where users can sell their designs while retaining full intellectual property rights.
Founder’s note:
“Belmont has played a major role in my journey by providing a supportive community and accessible, caring professors — each of whom has encouraged me throughout every step of building my business,” Cassar shared. “In fact, Knit To Knit was made possible because I first learned how to knit during a Maymester in Italy, where my professor, Dr. Christina Davis, taught me how to knit and read patterns.”
Programs of study:
Data Science and Business Systems & Analytics (Class of 2026)
Sabrina Oostburg, NIL Roadmap — 2nd Place, $1,500 and People’s Choice, $250
The story behind the brand:
NIL Roadmap is a consulting company that helps high school student athletes build their personal brands and social media channels. Earlier in the semester, NIL Roadmap also won 2nd place in the Cone Center Venture Competition.
Founder’s note:
Oostburg was able to leverage her understanding and experience as a student athlete and turn it into a business that helps other student athletes navigate the student athlete recruitment process and more.
“I would never have imagined that when I arrived to compete for the women's track and field team, I would create a business that would become my career path,” she said. “Belmont does an incredible job of connecting students with wonderful, knowledgeable people in every industry. I truly feel that Belmont encourages students to aim high while providing the resources to help them get there.”
Program of study:
Sport Administration (Class of 2025)
Macey Mefferd, Fork & Flash — 3rd Place, $1,000
The story behind the brand:
Fork & Flash is a food and beverage photography business catered toward the growing number of food industry businesses in Nashville. Mefferd provides restaurants, bakeries and local vendors with high-quality content used for enhancing her clients’ brands and standing out in the crowded and competitive food and beverage market.
A serial entrepreneur, Mefferd has two other businesses: Sparkle By Mace Jewelry, and an event charcuterie and catering business Say Cheese Please
Founder’s note:
As Mefferd approaches graduation in May, she is grateful for the constant support from staff and faculty she has felt throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
“Belmont’s ETP program is why I’ve never felt the need to wait to build something,” she said. “During my time here, I’ve launched multiple businesses and I’ve never been met with doubt — only enthusiasm, encouragement and mentorship. I’m graduating with so much more than a degree. I’m leaving with confidence, real-world experience and a support system I know I can always turn to.”
Program of study:
Entrepreneurship (Class of 2025)
Learn more about Belmont’s Entrepreneurship Program