Goshen County Start-Up Challenge Announces Pitch Night Winners

Two businesses were named winners at the second annual IMPACT Goshen County Pitch Night, which took place Nov. 9 in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the campus of Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) in Torrington. 

IMPACT 307 is a startup business development program of the University of Wyoming and a part of the state’s Business Resource Network. It is administered by UW’s Research and Economic Development Division. The not-for-profit business incubator system provides startup and early-stage companies with the expertise, networks and tools necessary for the development of successful businesses.

The judges originally selected four finalists from a pool of more than 50 applicants during the challenge application period.

“It was exciting to see the four finalists give engaging and well-thought-out pitches in front of a live audience,” says Brian Young, IMPACT Goshen County’s assistant director. “The judges made some tough decisions on the winners, and I look forward to working with these founders as we now turn to helping these innovative companies achieve success in the future.”

The finalists outlined their new business ideas to the local judging panel and live audience for the opportunity to receive seed funding.

The winners chosen by the judges were:

-- CSC Braiding, founded by Chezney Curtis, makes custom dog leashes and other products made from paracord, which is rope made from nylon.

-- Pearl Livestock, founded by Brianna Thompson, makes animal blankets for the livestock industry. 

The Audience Choice Award, sponsored by the EWC Foundation, went to Pearl Livestock.

The other finalists were:

-- Eco Cultivate Solutions, founded by Hailey Smith, manufactures products to help regenerate nutrients in soils.

-- Grip Tech Industries, founded by Victoria Plasencio, makes water-resistant footwear for use in various industries.

The challenge was a joint effort of UW’s IMPACT 307 and EWC.

The event was primarily sponsored by Goshen Economic Development, the EWC Foundation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, UW and the Wyoming Business Council.

For more information about IMPACT Goshen County, visit www.impact307.org/goshen-county or email Young at byoung13@uwyo.edu.