Grace College elementary education major Kiersten Martin (C) was awarded $5,000 for her business, All ABoard Educators, at the 11th annual Grace College Business Plan Competition by Dr. Jeff Fawcett (L) and Professor Melissa Chappel (R). Photo provided.
Grace College elementary education major Kiersten Martin (C) was awarded $5,000 for her business, All ABoard Educators, at the 11th annual Grace College Business Plan Competition by Dr. Jeff Fawcett (L) and Professor Melissa Chappel (R). Photo provided.
WINONA LAKE — Grace College elementary education major Kiersten Martin was awarded $5,000 for her business, All ABoard Educators, at the 11th annual Grace College Business Plan Competition on Nov. 17.

Martin, a fourth-year student from Plainfield, has big plans to use the $5,000 to build a website, register an LLC and purchase inventory to launch her instant bulletin board decor business.

All ABoard Educators allows teachers to decorate their bulletin boards instantly, saving teachers time and allowing them to focus on their students or spend their free time with family and friends.

“This idea was born from my wanting to be a kindergarten teacher and wanting to have my classroom decorated, but not wanting to spend the hours it currently takes to decorate my bulletin board,” said Martin. “I have been thinking about this idea for a while, but this class gave me the resources both in mentors and finances necessary to make this dream of mine a reality.”

As Martin prepared for the competition, she was supported by the local Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Team who helped her finalize details and make her business plan the best it could be.

“The Lord has been so gracious to me and surrounded me with a community of experts who are willing to spend time with me to invest in my education, idea and success,” said Martin. “I would love to express my gratitude to the professors who helped me along the way, including Professor Melissa Chappell and Dr. Rick Koontz, as well as Kelsi Griffith and Bob Jackson who connected me with Grace alumni and those alumni who took time to answer my questions.”

Leading up to the competition, Martin ordered samples of her product and practiced her presentation with mentors and professors.

“I was so excited for the opportunity to actually give my presentation to the judges,” said Martin.

After she did, she was announced as the first-place winner and the recipient of $5,000.

“The Lord’s hands have been in this whole process,” said Martin. “He has provided blessing after blessing for me and shown up in ways I could not even imagine. I am still in awe of what He is doing through this idea and business. I am energized and excited – the potential for this business has swung wide open.”

Martin plans to launch All ABoard Educators within the next six months to a year. As Martin moves her business forward, she will simultaneously be finishing up her undergraduate degree as well as obtaining a master’s in higher education from Grace in spring 2024.

“I would like to thank the judges, sponsors and the School of Business for making this event possible, and my family for supporting me and driving five hours in one evening to watch me compete,” said Martin. “This community is so special, and I am so blessed to be a part of Lancer Nation!”

For those interested in following the launch of All ABoard Educators, email [email protected] with the subject line “All ABoard Educators email list” to receive business updates.

The Grace College Business Plan Competition was sponsored by the William P. Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development, Beers Mallers Attorneys at Law and Wildman Business Group. It is one of many opportunities Grace College provides its students to turn their dreams and goals into a reality.

To learn more information about the School of Business, visit www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/school-of-business/.