Blank Slate Tutoring Takes Top Prize at Flyers & Buyers

Loyola College Prep Freshman, Carigan Carr, was the big winner in the fourth annual Flyers & Buyers contest. Four Flyer student finalist teams presented their business pitches to local business “Buyers” last night. The event sponsored by Louisiana Tech College of Business, Home Federal Bank, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, and Barksdale Federal Credit Union is conducted through the Loyola Law Studies Program, and teaches students how to start a business, make a marketing plan, and answer tough questions from potential investors. 

The Buyers named Carr the winner for her fresh take on peer to peer tutoring that incorporates an art component. Her business, Blank Canvas Tutoring pairs focuses on peer to peer, personalized tutoring where students summarize what they learned at the end of their 9 week session with a painting.

“I feel very honored and proud to win after all of the hard work I put into this project,” Carr said. “I feel extremely accomplished beating my fellow competitors who are all older and who I thought had amazing ideas and presentations.” 

Carr won $500 cash as well as a $1,000 scholarship to Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business. The second and third place teams also won a $500 scholarship to the College as well.

“We are honored to partner with Loyola to support early exposure to entrepreneurship through Flyers & Buyers,” said Dr. Chris Martin, Dean of Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business and a Flyers & Buyers judge. “This year’s pitches were each outstanding, but Carigan—even as a freshman—stood out as an innovator who can make her vision come to life. I continue to be extremely impressed with the quality of education Loyola provides and am particularly impressed with Joe Landreneau and his passion for inspiring entrepreneurial thinking.”

The Loyola Law Studies program sponsor, Joe Landreneau, works with students during the first semester of the school year to develop their business plans and selects the top finalists.

He said he was impressed with all of the Flyers last night, and especially proud of Carr. 

“Carigan's project addressed a specific need for students to receive tutoring that matches their style of learning,” he said. “Her passion and preparation were evident, as she pitched her concept to the Buyers. As a freshman, her overall poise was impressive, and I look forward to big things from Carigan in the future.”

Landreneau said Flyers and Buyers has an impact on students on two very different fronts. 

“​​The cash prizes and scholarships to the College of Business at Louisiana Tech directly benefit the students in a tangible way,” Landreneau said. “However, the greatest impact is more existential, as I've been blown away by how the program helps students overcome the fear of putting themselves out there.”