Hannibal CEO students to present seven business ideas to public on Wednesday at the Rialto

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Students from the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program will present seven new businesses, with products ranging from photography to custom cards to pressure washing, at the Hannibal Area CEO annual trade show from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at The Rialto Banquet Hall.

The annual trade show is the culminating event for CEO students who have spent the year developing their entrepreneurial skills to bring a business concept into reality. People attending the shows can buy products, sign up for services and book appointment times with the owners at each booth.

To reach this point, students have tested their business through a variety of different events, such as Banker Day and Local Pitch Day. They have navigated the paperwork necessary to be tax-compliant, and they have effectively managed their financial obligations to bring their product or service to market. 

The CEO program is designed to immerse students in experiential learning in leadership and entrepreneurship as well as build a professional network in their local community. The local trade show acts as the launch point for the students’ individual businesses as they exhibit the pinnacle of their entrepreneurial journey.

As the CEO students prepare for the trade show, they will be designing and printing banners for their booth, as well as business cards and other marketing material. They will be polishing their elevator pitches to potential customers and interested community members, and they will be in the final stages of production and rollout for their services.

For more information about the Hannibal Area CEO or the trade show, contact Joy Bond at facilitator@hannibalareaceo.com.