The SBDC (small business development corporation) at Lorain County Community College and the Center for Food Innovation held its inaugural “Your Amazing Food Idea” pitch competition, April 17th, 2023. Ten companies with a diverse selection of food offerings presented – primarily people of color and/or female founders. Beth Gantz, Senior Business Advisor at the SBDC, took a leadership role in promoting and coaching all the companies and was supported by Lisa Hutson, SBDC Director and Jim Walborn, Director of GLIDE. Representatives of Key Bank, Vitamix and two celebrity chefs served as judges.
“The quality was amazing,” exclaimed Bara Watts, CEO of the Center for Food Innovation. “We need to keep working to finds ways to help these founders succeed.”
The winners were:
Marshmallow of the Month Club $5000. Saidah Farrell https://marshmallowofthemonthclub.com/home
Indigo Lake Sauce Company, LLC $5000 Mark Day https://www.indigolakesauce.com/
Carmella Marie/Deep Roots. Cold Press Juices $2500 Carmella Williams https://www.carmellamarie.com/pages/deep-roots-self-care-co