SBCC’s Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge (NVC) business plan and pitch competition returns for its 15th season in 2025, showcasing some of our region’s most exciting, innovative, and cutting-edge student entrepreneurs.

The 2025 Scheinfeld NVC will be held in person on SBCC’s West Campus at the Fé Bland Forum (BC Forum). The public is welcome and invited to attend. Event parking is available on the West Campus; no parking pass is needed; however, avoid no parking zones and spaces reserved for medical and disabled.

• SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Forum)

• Collegiate competition: 2:00- 4:30 PM

• High school competition: 4:45 – 7:00 PM

Join us to support our regional student entrepreneurs who are putting it on the line for their chance at the limelight and $15,000 in awards and in-kind startup support. Share encouragement with the finalists and cast your vote for the winning teams on the Scheinfeld Center Instagram profile! See you at the competition!

MARK DEPACO is the founding partner of the boutique law firm DT Law Partners, LLP, in Santa Barbara, California, formed in 2020. Prior to starting his own firm, he spent 22 years as a corporate lawyer, most recently as a partner at Fell Marking LLP, in Santa Barbara. Mark’s legal practice focuses on corporate transactions, including securities, debt and equity offerings, private credit transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and all matters related to corporate and business growth. Mark operates as outside general counsel to companies in the US and Canada and counts venture and private credit funds, family offices, and angel investors among his clients. In addition, Mark is a founder of Alikon Sports Ventures, a boutique firm investing in and consulting to early-stage sports assets and properties. Mark earned his B.A. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1994. He received a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Southern California Law School (USC) in 1998 and is admitted to practice in California.

ERIK SANCHEZ  is a serial entrepreneur whose life mission is to create, innovate, and leave the world a better place. He is currently the founder of X2L Bio—an AI platform that leverages wearable technology to support remote VO2 max assessments, to help refine Performance, FemTech, and Longevity. Prior to X2L, Eric was CEO of US Operations for Splendo Health, a Dutch Entity and Duke University biotech startup. Splendo’s solution was designed to democratize the ability to perform Cardiorespiratory Function (CRF)/VO2 max assessments outside of a clinical setting. Eric has over 18 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur developing and launching IoT, SaaS, wearable and biotech startups with successful exits. Eric’s corporate background in advertising and pharmaceuticals (NYC), as well as his knowledge and experience in developing products from concept to commercialization, provide him with a unique entrepreneurial background. Eric is a co-inventor with two patents, a speaker, and an advocate for health equity. He resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and two daughters.

KRISTA TREIDE is an accomplished brand and marketing leader with demonstrated ability building and scaling category-defining brands in highly competitive global markets. She has held key leadership roles on behalf of iconic companies, including Nike, Reebok, Diesel, Apeel Sciences, UGG Australia, Michael Stars, Speedo, and Santa Barbara SKY FC. Krista is the founder of Modus, a boutique brand agency that partners with high-growth companies to architect, accelerate, and operationalize brand, marketing, and business strategies. Through Modus, she brings her deep industry expertise to ventures across consumer packaged goods, technology, health & wellness, and purpose-driven sectors—offering strategic insight, creative direction, and operational execution that drive measurable impact. She currently serves on multiple boards and actively mentors early-stage startups and entrepreneurs. Krista lives in Santa Barbara with her husband, Ben, and their young daughter Reevie.

KEITH BUTLER is the founder of Visus LLC and an internet industry veteran with extensive digital marketing experience, having developed digital marketing strategies and programs for Fortune 100 internet/ecommerce companies and start-ups. He has directed the operations and marketing of highly successful websites and digital advertising campaigns, and his experience includes digital marketing, website development, product marketing, social media, SEO/SEM, public relations, marketing communications, and digital advertising. Additionally, Keith’s management expertise includes strategic planning, business planning and operations, and financial management.

PAM TANASE co-founded Workzones’ coworking space and currently serves as COO. She is also a Regional Developer for the Massage Envy franchise, which has made therapeutic massage services and skin care solutions accessible to a network of more than 1.65 million members in franchised locations across the United States. Today, there are 1,170 Massage Envy franchises in 49 States. Pam holds a Master’s in Education from Claremont Graduate School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Claremont McKenna College. She also coaches water polo teams for the 805 Water Polo Club and at Santa Barbara’s Dos Pueblos High School, is the chair of the Central Coast Leadership Advisory Board for the Arthritis Foundation, and is an Associate Board Director for WISErg. She’s married to business partner, Kirk Peacock, and they have two children who attended local Santa Barbara schools.

MICHAEL WADDEN is Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Verses AI, a cognitive computing company specializing in next-generation Artificial Intelligence. As COO, he focuses on revenue generation and the go-to-market strategy for the company, bringing over three decades of expertise in scaling global businesses with a focus on human, financial, and planetary impact. Having led transformative initiatives at Accenture for nearly 20 years, Michael spearheaded the growth of the company’s global outsourcing business that evolved into Accenture Digital, now called Accenture Song. Additionally, he has owned and helped scale a portfolio of businesses focusing on revenue growth and global expansion with a unique focus on conscious leadership and culture. A certified End-of-Life Doula since 2023, Michael also engages in men’s work, yoga, hiking, music, and enjoying family life in Santa Barbara.