SCORE Announces Winners of its Virtual Small Business Presentation Contest

WASHINGTON, September 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SCOREThe nation’s largest network of expert and volunteer business mentors announced the winners of its virtual competition 60th Anniversary Launch Competition. Held September 17-19The virtual competition was one in a series of five held across the country to commemorate SCORE’s anniversary. These events provide an avenue for entrepreneurs to showcase their pitching and selling skills to industry experts, secure funding, and gain valuable knowledge and mentorship—all at no cost. More than 2,200 small business owners applied to participate.

The three winning companies in the virtual pitch event are:

• First place:
  Helen Ianniello – Drug of the cattlemen (Gordon, Nebraska)
  Stockmen’s Drug is an independent pharmacy in a rural area. Nebraska which has significantly expanded its services since Helen By Ianniello acquisition. Helen, a registered nurse rather than a pharmacist, has revitalized the pharmacy by implementing new systems and procedures, expanding its service area, and offering innovative services such as telepharmacy and a mobile vaccination clinic. The pharmacy also serves long-term care facilities and partners with local hospitals to provide essential services. Helen won the grand prize of $20,000 and plans to use the prize to fund a mobile vaccination clinic for disregarded and people confined to their homes.
• Second place:
  Christina Van Dam – Zeal Fitness Aerial (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
  Zeal Aerial Fitness offers a variety of aerial and alternative fitness classes for adults and children, including aerial silks, hoops, bars, hammocks and bungee. The studio also hosts private events, such as birthdays and bachelorette parties. Located in Grand Rapids, MichiganZeal aims to make aerial fitness accessible and welcoming, promoting physical and personal growth through its various offerings. Christina obtained $10,000 for her presentation, which she plans to use to purchase additional equipment for Zeal’s new location, allowing for more participants and expanded class offerings.
• Third place:
  Vanessa Sanchez – bonnee | the clothing exchange app (Miami Beach, Florida)
  good is a mobile app designed to facilitate the sharing of clothing, vintage items and accessories. Launched in January 2024, good Vanessa offers an easy-to-use platform for people to exchange items and earn credit for the items they post. The app aims to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry by promoting sustainable fashion practices through easy and accessible exchanges. Vanessa received $5,000 for her submission. She plans to invest the prize money into social media marketing, collaborations with influencers, and further development of the app to grow its user community, expand to new user segments, and scale operations.

“Congratulations to the winners of our 60th Anniversary Virtual Pitch Competition,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston“These extraordinary entrepreneurs exemplify the innovation, dedication and perseverance needed to turn small business dreams into reality. We are honored to have supported them with mentorship and resources, continuing the legacy of helping more than 17 million entrepreneurs over the past six decades.”

As part of the pitch competition, participants were paired with one of SCORE’s free, expert business mentors to guide them in preparing and delivering a compelling presentation.

Evaluation criteria included the effectiveness of the presentation, brand identification, uniqueness and viability of the product or service, thoroughness of the business plan, scalability, and any social or sustainability impact. Financial aspects were also evaluated based on overall potential.

Shellie PetersDirector of Benefits and Charitable Giving at Global Atlantic, said: “We are pleased to congratulate the winners and finalists of SCORE’s virtual pitch competition. As the presenting sponsor of this 60th^He “At this anniversary event, Global Atlantic is committed to fostering entrepreneurial talent and providing the tools necessary for small businesses to thrive.”

Finalists in the virtual presentation contest also include:

• Monica Cody – Farm 1868 (Cazenovia, New York)
• Amanda and Collin Horan – Line + Cove (Glen Ellyn, Illinois)
• Anwelli Okpue – Wani Cakes LLC (Dearborn, Michigan)
• Katie Roering – Fontana Candle Company, LLC (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
• Amber Waldeier – Zipplicity Un-Luggage (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
• Victoria Freeman – Ironmatik LLC (Liberty, Missouri)
• Yemisi Anderson – The JAY effect (Carbondale, Illinois)
• Malgorzata (Mal) Klesna-Blat – Wicked Fruitful, LLC (Upton, Massachusetts)
• Kimberly St. Clair – MyDocDash (St. Louis, Missouri)
• Tania Kottoor – WEST X EAST (Brooklyn, New York)
• Michael Heisman – Tansect (Appleton, Wisconsin)
• Zakayla Riley – Pawpin’ Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming Salon (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Jannea Wolff – Recovering our well-being (Miramar, Florida)
• Tania Shadley – TRS Kids Foundation (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
• Eden-Renee Hayes – Solutions to pluralism (Wayland, Massachusetts)
• Mandi Hawke – Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (Boynton Beach, Florida)
• Katherine Osborn – Collective Nowhere (Chicago, Illinois)

For more information about SCORE’s virtual launch event, Click here To view the full press kit and to watch the recording of the virtual competition online, please visit the SCORE website. Recorded Webinar Library.

In addition to the virtual competition, regional contest locations include Philadelphia (August 28th), Des Moines (September 12th), Los Angeles (September 26th) and Houston (October 3rd). For more information or to register to attend upcoming events, please visit the 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition Page on SCORE.org.

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, or volunteer, visit punctuation.org.

About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs successfully start, grow or exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, specialized mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.

Founded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the United States Small Business Administration.

Media Contact
To schedule interviews with the winners of SCORE’s 60th virtual contest^He Anniversary Pitch Contest, Finalists, Mentors, or SCORE Representatives, Please Contact Maria Coder954-379-2115, [email protected].

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