“Craft it, Pitch it, Win it” contest invests in local makers
The winners of the Craft It, Pitch It, Win It competition were (L-R) Karlie Kendig, Flood City Stitch; Abraham Onkst, Onkst Art, LLC; Tammy Hinish, Tastes of Home, LLC.
“Our region is rich with creative entrepreneurs – crafters and makers doing and sharing what they love!” Jessica Lattanza, Assistant Director at the Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family at Penn State Altoona, said. “These creators are often micro-businesses operating as solopreneurs and are struggling to figure out how to “do it all.” While never short on passion and perseverance, access to resources and funding can be difficult for crafters and makers.”
Awards totaling $4,000 were given to crafters and makers to enhance their marketing budgets. The Altoona LaunchBox Supported by the Hite Family and the Penn State Altoona Sheetz Fellows Program held their Craft It, Pitch It, Win It! competition on April 12, and the results are in!
Finalists presented their marketing pitch to a panel of three judges, and prizes were awarded.
Karlie Kendig, who worked with Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle to launch her business, won first place.
First place went to Flood City Stitch, owner Karlie Kendig said that the contest was like Shark Tank but for small businesses. “It was so fun,” she said. “My biggest takeaway from this event is to always do stuff like this, even if it’s scary and hard.” Karlie worked with Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle to launch her business.
My biggest takeaway from this event is to always do stuff like this, even if it’s scary and hard.
“Overall, it was a really good time and a great opportunity. It’s inspiring to know that there are resources available for entrepreneurs to learn and advance their businesses,” Abraham Onkst of Onkst Art, LLC added. Onkst took home 2nd place as a painter, designer and creator who has developed his own style and technique to create beautiful and interesting pieces of art.
The owner of Tastes of Home, LLC, Tammy Hinish, is a Huntingdon County baker who has big dreams and delicious treats. Hinish received the 3rd place prize.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
