In anticipation of the final round of the 2020 Pitch Dingman Competition, the Dingman Center is interviewing each of the five startup finalists about their progress and upcoming challenges as they prepare to compete for the $15,000 Grand Prize on March 10th in the Grand Ballroom of Stamp Student Union. Learn more and register to attend the competition here.
SweetsbyCaroline
Caroline Ta ’21, Marketing
DC: Tell us about your startup.
Ta: SweetsbyCaroline is a catering business that specializes in french macarons, cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts for weddings, parties, and many more events! I aim to turn your vision into a unique and delicious product by tailoring it to your event.
DC: Have there been some key decisions or milestones along the way that have led you from an idea to now pitching for $15K?
Ta: When I was at Montgomery College, I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to pursue baking but I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try out for a business pitch competition. I went in just wanting to learn more about how to grow your business and ended up making it to the finals and winning the pitch competition. I feel like this was a sign to keep going and that I was on the right path.
DC: What have you learned from the semifinals that will help you better prepare for Finals?
Ta: That there are so many food startups and resources in the DC Metropolitan area. There are many programs that help food startups with their venture.
DC: What has your startup been working on since Pitch Dingman Competition Semifinals?
Ta: I’m working on registering my business as an LLC and finding a commercial kitchen to operate in!
DC: What are some goals you are looking to reach before Finals?
Ta: I am currently applying for my LLC and working to obtain the proper licenses. Also, I hope to expand my presence in the community and beyond.
DC: If you win Pitch Dingman Competition, what will you do with the $15,000?
Ta: If I win the Pitch Dingman Competition, I would invest it back into my business so that I can produce at a faster and more efficient rate, increasing production capacity.