Launch Pitch Night was a huge success last week! With a rigorous application process and weeks of preparation, five finalists were chosen by a panel of judges from Lakeland’s financial institutions. These businesses prepared, both mentally and emotionally to pitch at live in front of judges and audience members alike. The five finalists were:
- Jessica Zivkovich & Tiffany Thenor from WonderHere Press, a full-scale educational company offering classes, workshops and curriculums. This equipment will help WonderHere Press bring their production in-house, make their curriculums more accessible to educators and parents, and help create jobs within the company!
- Alex Rosales with Passport Subs, a food truck serving global-inspired sandwiches at local events. He was asking for funding for kitchen equipment and a new vinyl wrap for their newest venture, a global-inspired savory dessert!
- Taylor Ard from East of These, a custom-apparel brand, featuring headbands and scrunchies. She was asking for funding for a heat press, steamer, storage, and an embroidery machine to increase production and keep up demand with her new storefront.
- Thalia Vila from Resilient Meals, a meal prep nutrition company. She was asking for funding for new commercial kitchen appliances and equipment.
- Lissa Boyer from Sculpted Swan Fitness, a pilates-focused studio focused on enhancing physical and mental health by offering small-scale workout classes. She was asking for funding for two new workout sets, equipped with tower reformers, pilates chairs, and other accessories.
After the night was almost up and all of our finalists had their opportunities to pitch, over $24,000 was awarded to three local, Lakeland businesses.
- Jessica and Tiffany from WonderHere Press were fully funded and received $6,700 towards an EcoTank Supertank Printer, Laminator, and Binding Machine!
- Taylor from East of These was fully funded and received $10,000 towards a sewing machine, a heat press, and a professional steam iron!
- Lissa from Sculpted Swan Fitness was partially funded and received $8,000 to purchase a Tower Reformer, Pilates Chair, and necessary Pilates accessories that can be implemented ASAP!
We would like to say a huge, special thank you to our sponsors Bank of America, Bank of Central Florida, Citizens Bank & Trust, MidFlorida Credit Union, Regions, SouthState, Truist, and Wells Fargo, who make the Launch Micro Grant possible.
Congratulations to all of our awardees, and thank you so much to the local community for your continued support of the program and Lakeland entrepreneurs. See you at the next Launch Pitch Night in Spring 2025!
