IMPACT 307, Sheridan's business incubator, has announced six finalists for the 2022 Sheridan Start-Up Challenge entrepreneur competition.
IMPACT 307 is a startup business development program of the University of Wyoming and a part of the state's Business Resource Network. It is administered by UW's Office of Research and Economic Development.
This year's challenge attracted 61 applicants, a 50 percent increase over 2021. A panel of local entrepreneur judges selected a dozen plans to advance to the semifinal round before that number was pared to six finalists.
"Not only will each of our finalists pursue launch and growth of their businesses, but we've seen a high level of commitment from challenge applicants to follow through on their business ideas," says Scot Rendall, IMPACT Sheridan director. "Whether they progress or not, IMPACT 307 can help each entrepreneur develop their plans and highlight resources that may be available to them."
The following is a brief summary of each finalist, including the company name, the entrepreneur and the innovative business idea:
-- Gannett Health, founded by Louisa Crosby, is a mobile, advocacy-focused direct primary care medical practice that focuses on prevention and access for patients locally and across underserved areas of Wyoming.
-- I Call Shotgun, founded by Alaina Gross and Izzy Haas, is a business focused on activities and games, with a related app, that provides safe and legal entertainment for young adults in small towns.
-- Cannoli Bliss, founded by Marissa Logan, is a specialty bakery that provides Italian desserts and savory items, including gluten- and sugar-free options, to food lovers across the Mountain West.
-- O.clarkii Reels, founded by Zac Sexton, Rodney Fought and Brad Williams, is a developer of a premium, semi-automatic fly fishing reel that contains numerous features not available on any reel currently being sold in North America.
-- Horsewell, founded by Megan Welles, is a large-scale, year-round gourmet mushroom farm that will provide fresh mushrooms to local and regional markets.
-- Solid Hitch, founded by Darwin Williamson, is a trailer hitch innovation that is designed to eliminate annoying rattles and excessive play while improving safety for anyone who tows trailers behind a vehicle.
The finalists will spend the next month working with IMPACT Sheridan to continue to develop their business plans and final pitches. Finalist Pitch Night is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 5:30 p.m. in the WYO Theater in Sheridan. The six finalists will compete to win business funding from the $100,000 seed fund established for the event.
The Sheridan Start-Up Challenge is made possible through the generous support of Sheridan County, the city of Sheridan, the Wyoming Business Council and the Homer and Mildred Scott Foundation.
