Purdue University engineering student Addison Wood has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the First Coast Home Pros Young Entrepreneur Scholarship, earning a $2,500 award for her innovative business concept, Alchemy Bakery.
Wood's proposed bakery aims to provide safe, allergen-free baked goods by eliminating the nine most common food allergens. Her personal experience living with a severe peanut allergy inspired the business idea, showcasing how entrepreneurs can transform personal challenges into meaningful solutions.
Currently studying Civil Engineering with a concentration in Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, Wood demonstrates a multifaceted approach to her academic and professional development. Beyond her scholarly pursuits, she is actively involved in campus activities, supporting charitable organizations like Make-A-Wish and the Andrea Rizzo Foundation.
The scholarship represents more than financial support for Wood. It validates her entrepreneurial vision and provides motivation to pursue her long-term goals, which include interning during college, working in engineering after graduation, and eventually earning an MBA to launch her own business.
Wood's story highlights the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs who seek to address real-world challenges through innovative thinking. Her bakery concept not only offers a potential solution for food allergy sufferers but also represents a broader trend of purpose-driven entrepreneurship among emerging business leaders.
