Last night at the Mendocino College Theater, in front of a live audience of more than 225 people, five finalists competed for prizes of almost $20,000.00. Jaime Connolly from the KOZT emceed the hour long event, and every finalist took home a prize.
And the winners are . . .
Grand Prize of $10,000 from the John and Sandra Mayfield Economic Development Fund at The Community Foundation of Mendocino County
Lama Nasser-Gammett
The Forest People
Organic mushroom jerky
Boonville
“As organic mushroom farmers, we wanted to create a product that is health, nutritious and easy to take on the go. Mushroom jerky is the perfect, high-energy snack chock full of beneficial nutrients for anyone who needs a burst of protein during their busy day. Our jerky is also vegan, gluten free, and paleo friendly. There’s nothing like it on the market. We can’t wait for you to taste it!”
Second Place of $5,000 from Adventist Health
Brian Newell & Jennifer Anderson
Ande
Clog footwear
Fort Bragg
“Did you know that every other brand of clog footwear, uses the exact same wooden base? How boring is that?
With our 30 years of fine woodworking we learned at the Krenov School in Fort Bragg, we’ve created completely new wooden base clog heels — and we’re set to turn the entire clog industry on it’s head with our beautiful and stylish creations.”
Third Place of $2,500 from Savings Bank of Mendocino County
Tom Jacobson
Are We Safe Yet?
Cybersecurity
Ukiah
“Today’s organizations are more and more reliant on services in the cloud — but have never been more vulnerable to online threats. A single cybersecurity incident can paralyze an organization, and exact a tremendous toll financially. Are We Safe Yet? is the cybersecurity service everyone in Mendocino County needs. Let’s get to safe, together!”
Fourth Place of $1,250 from the EDFC
Kate Maxwell & Adrian Fernandez Baumann
The Mendocino Voice
News outlet
Ukiah
“With our local newspapers all now owned by a hedge fund in New York City, newsrooms in our county have had to cut down on their breaking news and reporting. As the only independent, breaking news source in Mendocino County the Mendo Voice brings up to the minute happenings to everyone in the County – from fire season to road closures, legislative doings and more. Tune into our front page or Facebook page – we’ve got you covered!”
Fifth Place of $750 from the John Pack and Linda Francis Fund at The COmmunity Foundation of Mendocino County
Lia Wilson & Scarlett Trillia
The Red House
Co-working space
Fort Bragg
“In Mendocino County, finding a strong internet connection in an environment where you can get your work done is an enormous challenge. We opened the Red House in Fort Bragg to bridge that gap. We have private offices, co-working space, a conference room and even a guest suite where you can come and get it done. Work here for a day or get a monthly pass — we hope to see you soon!”
Startup Mendocino is a Business Bootcamp and Pitch Competition designed to spark new thinking about what is possible in Mendocino County through entrepreneurship.
Startup Mendocino is sponsored by the West Business Development Center, America’s SBDC, The John and Sandra Mayfield Economic Development Fund at the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Adventist Hospital, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Economic Development and Financing Corporation, Mendocino College, North Coast Brewery, Harvest Market, The John Pack and Linda Francis Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Ukiah Chambers of Commerce, Mendocino Coast Chambers of Commerce, Willits Chambers of Commerce, The Coast – KOZT, and the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity.
Startup Mendocino is supported by the Small Business Administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of Business & Economic Development.
As always, to sign up for free business advising from WestBDC go here
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