Henry & Stark Counties Fast Pitch Entrepreneur Contest

Turn Your Business Dream into Reality!

The Henry-Stark Counties Fast Pitch contest gives you the chance to test the waters and see if your idea can hold up in the contest where you can win prizes and resources to develop a thriving business!  

Fast Pitch Winners Announced!

1:30 p.m.

Kewanee, IL

   September 22, 2015

 

 

Five Small Business Entrepreneurs Received Award Totaling $5,500 in cash and $90,200 in marketing at the Henry and Stark Counties Fast Pitch Competition on Tuesday, September 22

 

(Kewanee, IL) When it comes to creating jobs in Henry and Stark Counties, a team of local economic development leaders have shown that once again, the Henry and Stark Counties Fast Pitch Competition did just that. Now in its 4th year, the annual contest gives entrepreneurs and small business owners a chance to win cash, prizes and consultation to turn their ideas into reality. Since it started in 2012, 10 new businesses were established or developed in Henry and Stark Counties as a result.   

 

On Tuesday morning, September 22, 2015, five entrepreneurs received recognition after sharing their ideas to a panel of judges during individual, confidential 10 minute “Fast Pitch” sessions.  The prizes were announced during a 1:30 p.m. awards ceremony at Black Hawk College’s Community Education Center in Kewanee. Russell Medley, Community Development Educator for University of Illinois Extension – Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark, welcomed the guests saying  “These organizations and sponsors make this opportunity possible so entrepreneurs like those here today can achieve success and spur the creation and growth of small businesses and jobs in our local community.”

 

Master of Ceremonies Jim Albracht announced the winners, saying “It takes passion and energy to be successful and these winners have all demonstrated those qualities.”  Grand Prize winner was Amy DeFauw who is opening Katsch, a women’s apparel, accessories, home décor and gift shop in Geneseo on October 10th. Two runner’s up were Stephanie Freeman who owns the Butter Churn in Woodhull, a grocery store that sells items locally grown or produced within 100 miles which she opened July 18, 2015; and Jessica Jackson who owns Spoon River Design in Toulon, IL, a handmade soap and bath essentials business out of her home.  A marketing award went to Chris Colomer of Kewanee who owns Flex Court Athletics – a performance sports flooring company. A judges award went to Jennifer Douglas of Atkinson who runs Jennifer’s Yoga Journey. 

 

“I am pleased to say that the Henry and Stark Fast Pitch awards the most prizes of any entrepreneur contest in the state of Illinois.”  said Joel Youngs, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Black Hawk College. This year’s grand prize winner was awarded $2,500 cash, $25,000 in radio advertising from Regional Media, $5,000 in print and online advertising from GateHouse Media, and $200 in advertising from the Stark County News.  The two runners-up each received $1,250 cash, $12,500 in radio advertising from Regional Media and $2,500 from GateHouse media.  The marketing award was $25,000 radio advertising from Regional Media, $5,000 in print and online advertising from GateHouse Media and the judges award was $500 cash and a $500 waiver to attend the Small Business Certificate Program at Black Hawk College's Small Business Development Center.

 

“The Fast Pitch Contest is just the beginning.” said Denny Rewerts of Stark County Economic Development.  “It helps us connect with entrepreneurs in our community and gives us the opportunity to provide any needed advice, training and consultation they may need to help them succeed.” Since the Fast Pitch started,  40 different contestants have received assistance from the organizations involved.  “We couldn’t be more pleased to be part of this program that is helping to bring and support small business in our community.” said Dave Dyer, City of Galva Administrator. 

 

The team organizing the Henry and Stark Counties Fast Pitch includes Black Hawk College; City of Galva; Henry County Economic Development Partnership; Illinois Small Business Development Center; Kewanee Economic Development Corporation; Stark County Economic Development; and University of Illinois Extension. 

 

Sponsors and partners include:  Regional Media, GateHouse Media; State Bank of Toulon; State Bank of Speer, the City of Colona; and the Stark County News. 

 

Judges of the 2015 contest were: Jim Albracht, Hawkeye Radio; Julie Forsythe, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation with the Quad Cities Chamber, Janice McCoy, County Director for University of Illinois Extension – Caroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties; Carrie McKillip, Community Development Educator of University of Illinois Extension – Knox, Henderson, McDonough and Warren Counties, and Joel Youngs, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Black Hawk College.