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HCC VEP and Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce award four in business pitch competition

Dec 3, 2025

The Houston City College Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, in partnership with the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC), wrapped up its 2025 cycle last month with a pitch competition that awarded $7,500 in seed funding to four veteran-led ventures.

Marine veteran Henry Banh won the top prize of $3,500 for Forged By Service, a media and social enterprise platform serving the military-connected community.

Second place and $2,500 went to Jonathon Campos for Fight Kitchen Fires LTD, a compliance training program aimed at preventing commercial kitchen fires.

 Third place winner Shalanda Cummings received $1,000 for MobiBath, a portable medical bathing device designed for people with mobility impairments. 

An honorable mention and $500 were awarded to Sabrina Swann for Swan Stylez, a luxury salon suites concept that integrates 24-hour childcare and professional mentorship.

This year’s finalists represented a wide range of ventures, from digital media to regulatory training and specialized medical devices. Program leaders said the results highlight the strength of the VEP model, which helps veterans translate military experience into scalable business concepts.

“The entrepreneurs coming through this program are creating jobs and filling real market needs, and they reaffirm HCC’s role as an engine for entrepreneurial growth,” said Maya Durnovo, associate vice chancellor for entrepreneurship.

Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt, director of student innovation and entrepreneurship and an HRVCC board advisor, said the finalists stood out in a rigorous review process. “They’ve shown not only resilience but also a clear path to market impact,” he said.