One start up business and two existing businesses took home the $10,000 prize money during THE PITCH by FEDCO last Thursday evening.
Last month, businesses that met the size standard of less than a million dollars in gross annual sales and fewer than 50 employees were invited to complete an online application to enter the business pitch competition, sponsored by Fulton Economic Development Corporation and it partners.
On Thursday, October 18, the six finalists had five minutes to present their business “pitch” to a panel of judges to compete for $10,000 in prize money that was awarded at the judges’ discretion.
The winners were Crossroad Peppers, a startup business offering dry rubs and hot sauce, who were awarded $2,000.
Existing businesses Uncorked and Brooch Boutique, were awarded $4,000 each. Uncorked will expand to include a rum bar and Brooch will expand online sales by launching a new shopping app.
Winners must execute their business or expansion plan no later than six months after the award is presented. Existing business entries must be in full-time operations with a primary office in Fulton County for at least two years.
“We’re really happy and encouraged about this first time event”, said Amy Beechy, FEDCO’s Entrepreneurship Program Manager, “all of the contestants worked hard to prepare, the public came out to watch, and now we will support these businesses as they move forward and grow.”
Judges for the competition were Susan Sciame-Giesecke, Ph.D, Chancellor, Indiana University Kokomo; Joe McCarter, President, RTC FIber Communications, and Eric Walsh, CPA, partner with H.J. Umbaugh and Associates.
Event sponsors include NIPSCO, Fulton County REMC, RapidView LLC, Smith Sawyer Smith Insurance, North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and the USDA.
For questions about THE PITCH, contact Amy Beechy at 574-709-7955 or amy@projectmattersllc.com.