Third annual business pitch competition sees 11 businesses compete for funding to grow in Hayden.
The Town of Hayden hosted its third annual Business Pitch Competition at the Haven Conference Room on Oct. 4. A total of 11 business people pitched their ideas for new or improved businesses in the Hayden area, and four won financial support to create or expand their businesses.
The first place winner was Nice Ice, created by Justin Martin. He wants to create perfect ice cubes for valley restaurants and bars, using valley water, simple filtration, special freezing and carving techniques, to create perfectly clear “ghost ice” for high-end drinks.With zero impurities, Martin expencts his ice cubes to melt slower, with less dilution of drinks.
It is something that can be easily overlooked, said Martin, but can have longer term impacts. Martin received $12,000 for his new business.
Second place winner was Sassquatch Party Rentals, owned by Caleb Cagle, which received an$8,000 grant. Cagle's business started last summer and featured a bouncy house, water slide and other outdoor attractions.
“I want to use this new money to buy indoor attractions that can be used during the winter,” he said. During the recent Halloween season, he set up some of his summer attractions in the fairground exhibition hall, which attacted 1,000 youngsters.
The third place winner was Hayden Hidden Treasures, owned by Emily Gabriel. Located at 175 W. Jefferson Avenue, the shop deals in antique treasures. Gabriel plans to use the $5,000 grant to improve lighting, signage and to rent the next-door space from Axial Arts architecture firm, for more storage and display space.
Finally, West Yampa Wellness, owned by Erica Lucas, received $5,000 for the judges' favorite and women-owned business award. Lucas has created a mobile physical therapy clinic, that can set up and operate in the comfort of the patient's home. Lucas' clinic offers dry needline, manual therapy, orthopedic and pelvic floor therapy. Evening and weekend appointments are available, said Lucas.
“We offer a discounted cash rate,” said Lucas, “so there is no need to get a physician referral for my services.”
Top Photo Caption: Winners of Hayden's business pitch competition are awarded their checks. (Town of Hayden/Courtesy)