FORT WAYNE – Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne has announced the three finalists for its 2024 Start-Up Competition.
The contest was the brainchild of Dave and Mary Bear, former owners of JB Tool, Die & Engineering, and began in 2011. This year’s winner will receive up to $40,000 in start-up funding for presenting the best business plan for a small business.
The finalists and their businesses are as follows:
• Ginny Ritchie, General Education and Entrepreneurship, Company: Ginny Rose Studios, LaGrange
Ginny Rose Studio is an esthetician-run studio specializing in full body waxing, custom facials, massages and permanent makeup. We strive to be a full-service studio serving all of your personal care needs in Northeast Indiana.
• Laura Reid, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship, Company: So Cute Sweets, Atwood
So Cute Sweets specializes in creating delicious, flavorful and original cake pops for any occasion. These cake pops, and the other fun treats created by So Cute Sweets, are made with quality ingredients, creative designs and personalized touches.
• Jordan Walter Lee Setters, Entrepreneur, Company: Soupy, LLC, Fort Wayne
Soupy is a veteran owned and operated food truck business that aims to provide healthy, affordable and convenient soups and sandwiches to customers. Their customer base is middle class working age customers who are interested in or looking for convenient meal options. Soupy will be serving seasonal soups/stews and sandwiches.
The awards ceremony for the New Business Competition will be held Oct. 10 in collaboration with the evening’s sponsor, ProFed Credit Union. Finalists will present their businesses and a panel of area judges will vote to determine the New Business Winner at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s Coliseum Campus (3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Room 1640).
Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw students and alumni who successfully complete a certificate from the Galatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation are eligible to participate in the New Venture Competition. If you are interested in participating in the competition and receiving your Entrepreneurship Certificate, please contact James Tolbert at (email protected).
