ArtWorks just announced this morning their list of finalists for the “Big Pitch” contest, a night where eight creatives will deliver 5-minute pitches in front of a live audience and five judges (audience votes count, too). The winner takes home the top prize of $15,000.
Think of it as a homegrown twist of ABC’s Shark Tank.
But there’s work to be done before the pitch. The other half of ArtWork’s initiative is a 10-week entrepreneurial mentorship program; each finalist is paired with a local business mentor and a U.S. Bank small business specialist.
The big night is Sept. 25, 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall (1225 Elm St., downtown). If you want to be a member of the audience, tickets are $10. Buy ‘em here.
Here's a peek at the competitors:
Madhouse Vinegar: This burgeoning business wants to create both a more flavorful and sustainable community. Through vinegar. Their process? They take waste from breweries, vineyards and cider houses — wort, skunked beer, spent grains, used barrels and more — then turn it into something new: Vinegar. This North Bend, Ohio small-batch company have been matched with Brittney Taylor of U.S. Bank and Matt Madison of Madisono’s Gelato & Sorbet.
Mortal Ski Company: “When Hell Freezes over, we will ski there too,” reads the website. This Park Hills, Ky. company builds skis one at a time and by hand, by workers who are passionate about the sport. They’re matched with Keith Jackson of U.S. Bank and Greg Dorr of AGAR, with the support of Rob Mason.
Osmia Bee Company: Riding that ‘Save the Bees’ wave? Osmia is too. This company is set up with tools and habitat structures so that people can hatch and raise their own native bees. They customize each order to suit the region’s climate. Allison Pape of U.S. Bank will act as their mentor along with Ann Mooney of Rising Moon Consulting.
Queen City Vignette: Think of QCV as a library. Only, this rental company’s bounty is made up of vintage furniture and quirky oddities. Want a lush armchair to pose in for photoshoot? They got you. Want a rad centerpiece rug for your wedding venue? Yep. U.S. Bank’s Kaylyn Houston will act as their mentor alongside Tom O’Brian of Everything But The House.
Russo’s Ravioli: The Russo family has been making ravioli for generations, and have an entrepreneurial history that runs deep. In the 1940s, Grandma Russo’s uncle opened Forte Spaghetti House in Newport, Ky. Later, in the ‘80s, the family would own a pizzeria. Everything is made fresh and by hand. Currently, they are working out a commercial kitchen in Covington, Ky. until they find a more permanent home. Mark Sousa of U.S. Bank will act as their mentor alongside Emily Frank of C’est Cheese and Share: Cheesebar.
SKT Ceramics: Founder Susannah Tisue runs this studio, which creates tableware and gifts (like flour sack towels) adorned with unique illustrations, such as a scruffy fox, adorable duckling or a wide-eyed mouse. She was matched with Michael Howard of U.S. Bank and Tarita Preston of The Curated Coach.
Strange Stock Art Conservation: This company provides preservation service for the repair and care of paper and photographic materials. like music memorabilia, folk art and other historical documents. U.S. Bank’s Victor Hernandez will act as a mentor alongside Regina Carswell Russo of Right Now Communications.
Sweet Petit Desserts: Lemon bars, cheesecake pops, red velvet cookie sandwiches stuffed with buttercream icing and melt-in-your-mouth brownie bites. Sweet Petit serves up all those goods, and teaches baking classes (mostly to kiddos). Christopher Goodpaster of U.S. Bank will be their mentor with Findlay Kitchen’s Anthony Berin.
