ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern Innovation & Startup Center and Aberdeen Development Corporation are excited to announce the finalists for the inaugural Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition. This milestone represents a significant advancement in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the Aberdeen community.
The competition aims to inspire and support entrepreneurial ventures, refine business ideas, and provide access to vital resources such as investment and financing. The first-place winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation, to help start or expand business operations.
A total of 23 applications were submitted to the competition, which aims to propel businesses toward their next phase of development while building on Aberdeen's rich entrepreneurial history and culture. By fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs, the Aberdeen Development Corporation and the Northern Innovation & Startup Center intend to make this an annual event, encouraging entrepreneurial business growth in Aberdeen.
The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, who will pitch their businesses at the July 29 community event are:
- Ascend Aviation Detailing, LLC, Sarah Rice
- DetailerShopApp, Zamani Peters
- eqUTI, Grace Kramer
- Minds Matter PLCC, Tiffany Hoeft
Aberdeen Development Corporation and Northern Innovation & Startup Center extend their heartfelt gratitude to the round one judges for their time and expertise:
- Kelly Weaver, Small Business Development Center
- Mark Gederos, RhodesAnderson Insurance
- Kip Hansen, Dacotah Bank
- Abby Cogley, owner of Mattress by Appointment and SunCity
The competition now advances to round two, where a distinguished panel of successful business owners and entrepreneurial resource organizations will evaluate the finalists. This community event, held at Engels Event Company on July 29, is free to attend.
July 29 Event Schedule:
- 4 to 5 p.m. – Northern Innovation and Startup Center Community Champions Networking Event
- 5 to 7 p.m. – Finalists’ pitches, judges’ deliberation, attendee networking and prize awarded.
RSVP is appreciated. Registration information can be found at northernstartupcenter.com.