COA Student Andie Piliouras '26 Reaches Finals in Maine's Televised Business Competition

April 27, 2026 - 17:49

A College of the Atlantic senior is one step closer to securing major funding for her entrepreneurial venture. Andie Piliouras, a member of the Class of 2026, has advanced to the final round of Maine's televised student business competition, where she will compete for more than $20,000 in prize money to help grow her company.

The competition, which showcases innovative student-led businesses from across the state, provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and a live television audience. Piliouras impressed the selection committee with her business concept, earning her a spot among the finalists vying for the top awards.

The funding, which exceeds $20,000, is intended to support business expansion, product development, and operational scaling. For Piliouras, the opportunity represents a significant milestone in her journey as a student entrepreneur at the College of the Atlantic, an institution known for its focus on human ecology and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Details of Piliouras's specific business venture have not been fully disclosed, but the competition emphasizes ventures that demonstrate both commercial viability and positive community impact. The final round will be televised, giving viewers across Maine a chance to see the next generation of business leaders in action.

As the competition enters its final stage, Piliouras will prepare to present her business plan before the judges, hoping to secure the funding needed to take her enterprise to the next level. The outcome will be determined in the coming weeks, with the winner announced during the televised finale.