Six Local Entrepreneurs will Compete in a Seed Fund Competition
Six local entrepreneurs will compete in a seed fund competition thanks to many Sweetwater County partners and sponsors.
The Sweetwater County Start-up Challenge (SCSC) is a competition for local entrepreneurs. It is a collaboration between the University of Wyoming’s IMPACT 307 and Western Wyoming Community College (Western). The 2023 SCSC is made possible by the Economic Development Administration, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Rock Springs Main Street URA.
Twenty-six applications were received this year. After very difficult deliberations, twelve Semi-Finalist companies were chosen to move on to the next stage of the competition; however, some exited the competition prior to the Finalist Round. The Semi-Finalists were chosen from an application process that uses the Lean Launchpad methodology, which requires companies to define the customer’s problem, propose a solution for that problem, and discuss the ideal customer for their product or service.
Along with receiving mentorship from IMPACT 307, Semi-Finalists also had the opportunity to receive valuable information from local experts during the Business Bootcamp, hosted by Western’s Enrich Wyoming community education program. Legal presenters were attorneys Clark Stith and Jason Aldred. Jennifer Cuthbertson, CPA covered accounting topics. Banking information was presented by Ozzie Hay (Vice President, RSNB Bank), Cody Bateman (CEO, State Bank), and Tiffany Kindel (Vice President, Commerce Bank). Kiaya Leo, Springboard Platforms and Jessica Evans, Royal Flush Advertising educated about marketing practices. Other presenters included Katie Mullen and Gregory Madic (Workforce Specialists, Wyoming Department of Workforce), Kiley Ingersoll (Southwest Regional Director, Wyoming Business Council), Rick Lee (CEO, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce), Lisa Herrera (CEO, Green River Chamber of Commerce), Chad Banks (Manager, Rock Springs Main Street URA), Derrek Jerred (Senior Director, IMPACT 307), Monica Patten (Assistant Director, IMPACT 307), and Laurie Carollo (Entrepreneur Outreach Assistant, Western).
Nine semi-finalists pitched their start-up businesses on October 18th to local judges in the Sweetwater County Start-up Challenge Finalist Round. Six Finalists were selected to move on to the next phase, culminating with Pitch Night to be held on December 6th, where they will compete for seed funding. Finalist round judges Phil Stanton (General Manager, Industrial Services Inc.), Rick Lee (CEO, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce), Ryan Brandt (Branch Manager, State Bank), and Taylor Siemers (Loan Officer, State Bank) were excited by the number of talented and enthusiastic entrepreneurs.
The nine entrepreneurs who presented in the Finalist Round were: (Finalists moving on to Pitch Night are marked with an asterisk*)
Aaron Lobo* is the founder of Apilloz, which is an adjustable, support, pain and pressure relief pillow. (www.apilloz.com; facebook.com/apilloz/; instagram.com/apilloz.store/; twitter.com/RealApilloz)
Breana Lee is working towards a family activity center which would provide a safe place for children to go when not in school.
Debbie Stainbrook* is the founder of Remi's Clubhouse, a tail waggin' good doggy daycare, providing fun and play for your fur baby when you have to be away! (https://crm.pawfinity.com/remis-clubhouse/; facebook.com/RemisClubhouse/)
Ian Doak is the founder of Stellar Productions, which will be a local recording studio for anyone needing a professional space to record, video, or photograph.
Jean Joseph* is the founder of Mr. Joe’s Hot Sauce, a Caribbean style hot sauce that brings a balance of heat and flavor. (mrjoehotsauce.com; facebook.com/mrjoehotsauce; instagram.com/mrjoehotsauce)
Jenefer Tynsky* has created Black Gold Jelly Company, which uses locally sourced fruits and vegetables to create healthy, delicious syrups and sauces. You can bake, slow cook, smoke, BBQ, or use as salad dressing for any event. (blackgoldjellycompany.com; facebook.com/BlackGoldJelly; instagram.com/blackgoldjellyco/)
Joelle Erdmann is the founder of Insight of Glory, a life coaching business that helps people transform reactionary surviving mindsets to freedom, hope and authentic thriving. (facebook.com/InsightOfGlory/; instagram.com/insightofglory/)
Levi Abrahamson* is the creator of Gainesha, which was founded to connect landowners with potential short-term renters, maximizing earning potential and increasing public access to private lands.
Michelle Schutten* is the founder of Purely Persistent, an online resource providing academic lessons, life skills, and motivation for students preparing for High School Equivalency tests (GED/HiSET). (youtube.com/c/purelypersistent; purelypersistent.gumroad.com/; instagram.com/purelypersistent; tiktok.com>@purelypersistent)
Seed funding was made possible by generous donations from: University of Wyoming (Research and Economic Development), RSNB Bank, Dominion Energy, Industrial Services, Inc., State Bank, Simplot, WHS, Commerce Bank, All West Communications, First Bank, GRoWYO, and Copier & Supply Company. Additionally, Downtown Rock Springs URA is collecting community donations for the seed fund at the following locations: Mack & Co., Wyoming Freight Company, Red White Buffalo, Daily Knead, Coal Train Coffee Depot, and Sidekicks Book Bar.
The community is encouraged to cheer on the Finalists during Pitch Night on Wednesday, December 6th, 6:00pm, at Western Wyoming Community College, Room 1302. This event is free to attend and will also be live-streamed. Local judges will determine the Winners, who will receive seed funding when milestones set by the judges are met over the following six months.
For more information about IMPACT 307 programs and events, visit www.impact307.org/events.
--- Press release provided by Monica Jo Patten, Assistant Director, IMPACT