This year all of the submissions from businesses were incredible. After much deliberation, we are thrilled to announce the 2020 IMPACT Pitch finalists. For the past 5 years, IMPACT Pitch has been an evening dedicated to celebrating diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Pacific Northwest. IMPACT Pitch provides a platform for idea-phase, startup, or existing businesses with a focus on positively impacting their communities and a strong business plan/idea to win cash prizes totaling $30,000. This year we have even more prizes available; including a $1,000 prize for the Audience Favorite Video Award thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Harborstone Credit Union. So after you learn more about each of our finalists be sure to check out their videos and vote for your favorite!
Without further adieu meet our 2020 IMPACT Pitch finalists and see their reaction to the good news!
Start Up Stage Finalists
Farm Unlimited
Farm Unlimited was started in October 2019 as a 100% veteran owned business. They provide forest landowners with the technical expertise needed to sustainably manage their lands. Their goal is to help maximize all of the interconnected values that a forest can provide – financial, environmental and social. With strong relationships in the community, in the industry, and a high level of expertise among staff Farm Unlimited is able to provide outstanding stewardship of their lands.
Eric Farm, owner of Farm Unlimited is “Surprised, excited and honored to have been selected to advance to the final round of Impact Pitch 2020. Especially since there are so many outstanding businesses competing this year. Farm said.“This competition has been a great opportunity to both refine our initial business plan to meet the new challenges we face today, as well as tell the Farm Unlimited story. We are looking forward to the live pitch on October 8th!”
To learn more about Farm Unlimited check out there website here.
Simone Pin Productions, LLC
Simone Pin Productions, LLC is a women of color owned dance production company co-founded and co-owned by Shadae Simone and Annya Pin. It began in 2017 at a small coffee shop in Seattle, WA. Just after a burlesque heels class with the idea to pilot a burlesque show. By the end of 2018, Anya and Shay had produced two shows, BLACK SILK and Dollhouse. Simone Pin officially became a LLC in January 2019 after experiencing challenges in the industry. Their aim is to raise the standard of pay and value of BIPOC performers within the creative economy. Simone Pin are one of the few production companies co-owned and driven by two BIPOC women. They create stories from their own journeys. They also provide performers with economic opportunities and opportunities for professional development.
Shadae Simone and Annya Pin are “thrilled and excited to be a part of the finale! This means a lot to us as we have worked incredibly hard over the past year to grow our business and we are looking forward to sharing our company’s value and mission during the live pitch!”
To learn more about SimonePin Productions check out their website here.
The PaLacia Chamberlain Lee Salon
The Palacia ChamberLain Lee Salon is a full hair care salon specializing in providing quality services to multi-ethnic families and individuals with a variety of textured hair needs. The salon was established in February of 2019 by founder Palacia Scott. Palacia is cosmetologist from Baltimore who is now located in Northgate, Seattle, WA. Palacia Scott aims to merge the ongoing gap between beauty professionals and her community. She says she is blessed to offer a space where her diverse staff and clientele can feel welcomed, valued, and earnestly cared for. What makes the PCL Salon so unique is their ability to passionately serve multicultural people efficiently in an inclusive environment of respect for individuality and diverse expressions of faith. Palacia Scott’s own love for the Lord inspires the confidence others need to bloom beautifully in every area of their lives.
PCL Salon founder Palacia Scott is, “excited and honored to be among the IMPACT Pitch Top 10 Finalists. The possibility of winning will present my business with greater opportunities. I’m so grateful for how God used my mentor Jessica Conaway, Business Impact NW, their affiliates, my church family, and my beautiful clients to bless my life so that through my business I can be an even greater blessing in the lives of others.”
To learn more about Palacia ChamberLain Lee Salon check out their website here.
Zora Co
Zora Co was born around 2 years ago while founder Ivy Galloway was shopping for pet furniture on Amazon. She couldn’t find modern pet furniture that matched her apartment. As a first-time pet owner Ivy jumped right in to fill the gap in the market. Zora provides high-quality, stylish pet products for every pet owner who wants the convenience of online shopping, and doesn’t want to compromise their home decor.
Zora Co founder Ivy is, “so honored to be a finalist in the Impact Pitch competition and presenting alongside such amazing startups. This opportunity has allowed me to refine my business plan while gaining mentorship and guidance.”
Congratulations Ivy!
Early Stage Finalists
Mocel Mezcal
Between growing up around the lush farmlands in the Yakima Valley to spending months visiting their grandparents in rural Michoacán, Mexico, sisters Rosalinda and Elizabeth Mendoza learned the hard work of cultivating and making real food. As consumers of mezcal, they quickly realized that customers seek authentic and cleaner spirits free of additives. Yet the spirits industry is failing to offer such options.
That’s where the two sisters stepped up to fill the gap in the market. As CEO and Co-Founder, Rosalinda Mendoza brings sales and marketing experience from Fortune 500 companies. Co-Founder Elizabeth Mendoza brings extensive legal expertise in product launch counseling, contract negotiation and IP licensing from AmLaw 100 law firm. Mocel Mezcal is a one-of-kind, authentically-produced all-natural spirit to enjoy and celebrate with the people you love.
“My sister and I started with this idea over two years ago and being an IMPACT Pitch finalist is an indicator that Mocel Mezcal is a reality. I am excited and honored to be a finalist.”
Way to go Rosalinda and Elizabeth!
Sprout! Growing Solutions
Sprout! Growing Solutions started with an idea of using today’s technology to enhance life. Their latest product is a rack growing system. It uses LED lighting and a Cloud-based smartphone controller to grow items like lettuce, kale, or microgreens indoors in a controlled environment. This product will be manufactured in Brookings, Oregon using local resources.
In the words of Sprout! Growing Solutions founder Aleta Mankamyer, “It’s exciting to be a finalist in the Impact Pitch competition. The competition has helped us take an idea and shape it into a viable business plan. We have learned so much in the process and are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this competition.”
Congratulation Aleta!
The Boba Toons
As Dale Reyes began his transition into civilian life after his time in the Navy he was looking to put his Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management to use. “The reason why we started developing The BOBA Toons is because we currently do not have a shop that focuses on selling bubble tea or “boba” drinks here on Whidbey Island. People have to drive at least an hour or two to get their drinks.”
Reyes began developing the business last July with the help of Business Impact NW coach Shawn Palmer. What makes Boba Toons unique is their cartoon theme, bringing a competitive edge and a lot of fun to the emerging shop. In the words of Dale Reyes, “Being an IMPACT Pitch finalist while developing a restaurant is challenging but also a rewarding experience at the same time. It means that we are on the right track in opening our business and I cannot do this without the help of Mr. Shawn Palmer, my business coach. Thank you so much!”
Congratulations Dale!
Juice and Flowers Co. LLC
Headquartered in Tacoma, WA, Juice and Flowers Co. LLC, was created in early 2019 by founder Quincy Duckworth–a food and beverage content curator. Juice and Flowers Co. is a locally inspired on-demand food truck and beverage start-up. They deliver farm-sourced ingredients that are equally accessible and affordable. Juice and Flower’s goal is to transform how people start their day. By focusing on lifestyle and good health Juice and Flowers Co. is uniquely positioned as a pillar for healthy food and beverage choices. They connect people to a balanced lifestyle, creating positive new habits, attitudes, taste and moral standards that move the culture.
As for being an IMPACT Pitch finalist, Juice and Flowers founder Quincy says “It’s incredible. Going through this process gave me a sense of validation of my early-stage idea. I never thought I would have made it this far into the competition, but I did. Thank you, Business Impact NW for the opportunity.”
We are so excited for you Quincy!
Establish Businesses Finalists
IYN Stands
Like so many businesses IYN Stands began at home, well actually in the backyard in this case. In 2015 founder Kelly Louden wanted to add a bit of privacy and ambiance to her backyard. Finding no installation options to hang outdoor string lights Kelly and her brother–a welder– got to work jerry-rigging their own DIY light stand. At the time Kelly was in the event lighting industry. She was operating a rental company with the help of her family, when requests for patio string lighting came rolling in. A year later IYN Stands was in business.
Now, thanks to several local partnerships, IYN Stands have USA made, patented, sturdy steel poles that will securely attach to wood decks or concrete patios. This allows anyone to hang lights and screening. They have a line of patented portable tank stands that can be filled with water or sand. They also have gorgeous wine barrel stands that have been a hit with event venues. Patios just got a lot more inviting!
Kelly says she is “very excited and equally nervous, but ultimately grateful to be a part of this amazing learning and growing opportunity!“
For more information about IYN Stands check out their website.
Recipe 33 Inc
RECIPE 33 has more than 20 years of experience in the food industry. The team behind RECIPE 33 has always come up with new ideas to improve products we consume every day. The team met in the MBA program at the University of Washington after creating their signature infused almonds. RECIPE 33 uses real ingredients, with no artificial seasoning, unlike those commonly found in regular flavored nuts. The company is unique in providing healthy premium snacks that are clean for your hands and for your body–allowing customers to snack on the go!
RECIPE 33 founder Dan Smith is, “excited to have the opportunity to share what makes RECIPE 33 infused almonds special. The Impact Pitch program gives small businesses great access to resources, support, and exposure in a very challenging marketplace!”
To learn more about RECIPE 33 check out their website here.
Join Us for IMPACT Pitch 2020!
So get your free ticket, check out the finalists videos, and join us on October 8th!
About the author
Madeline Nicholson
Madeline Nicholson is the Grants & Giving Manager at Business Impact NW. Prior to joining Business Impact NW, Madeline served as the Development and Communications Assistant at Inside Out Youth Services. Madeline began her career in Museum Education at the Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs where she worked for three years as an in-gallery museum educator. Her passion for working with diverse communities brought her from the museum to the nonprofit sector to work in Development. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado College. Madeline brings a commitment to social justice and experience cultivating relationships with individual donors. Madeline enjoys hiking, yoga, making ceramic pottery, and baking bread.