Burgan Real Estate, the official Brokerage of YSU Athletics, is excited to announce Youngstown State University (YSU) junior, Nabayt Kibreab, has been awarded this year's John Burgan Entrepreneurship Award. Started in 2020, the $2,400 award, donated by Patrick Burgan in honor of his father, John Burgan, was established for Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business Administration students who believed they had a great idea for a new business.  Kibreab, a Senior with a dual major in Economics and Science, was awarded the cash prize for her plan to support the expansion of her business, Velora, an AI-driven software offering an app specializing in stock market predictions and education for those looking to get into trading.  

"This award was designed to bring forth ideas and creativity from students to live out a dream they have of starting their own business, just like my father helped me when I was 10 years old," said Patrick Burgan, co-broker and second-generation owner of Burgan Real Estate. "While we were impressed by all the entries, Nabayt clearly separated herself with her creativity, research and plan for an AI-powered stock market predictor. We're excited to recognize Nabayt for her hard work and for continuing the high standard for recipients of this award." 

The idea for this business came when Kibreab began researching the stock market in 2024. She started looking at social media channels and viewing different profiles in the hopes to gain knowledge of how to invest in stocks. As she followed tips from profiles and expanded her knowledge, she soon realized developing an app to teach her and others how to trade and predict trends by analyzing what was happening in real time was a better solution. 

Nabayt, who is originally from Ethiopia and came to the United States 3-years ago to attend YSU, originally used this concept to satisfy her senior capstone project as a Penguin.  However, she soon realized the potential of this idea and began focusing on this as a viable business idea.  Her persistence and dedication to the idea not only enabled her to be recognized as this year's John Burgan Entrepreneurship Award winner, but also earned her 1st place in YSU's annual Penguin Shark Tank competition.  

"Winning this opportunity reminds me to always believe in better… better ideas, better hard work, and better partnerships makes anything possible," said Kibreab. "I'm grateful to Burgan for believing in the better we can build together. Every challenge is a chance to build something better. This win shows that with focus, creativity, and persistence, better results are always possible, and I'm just getting started."

Kibreab is on track to graduate in May 2026 from YSU and would love to remain in the states to continue her education in earning a graduate degree. While her immediate family, including her mother, father and older sibling all still reside in Ethiopia, her  grandparents and extended family live in Maryland, allowing her to maintain a connection with her biggest inspiration and fans.