Jan. 21, 2022

Six of the Sioux Falls area’s newest business owners will compete for a $1,500 prize next week.

They’re graduates of the recent CO.STARTERS cohort through Startup Sioux Falls.

The head-to-head competition will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Icon Event Hall.

Audience members  get to participate in the voting, serving collectively as the fourth in a panel of live judges at the event.

Those ready to make their pitch are:

Kevin Forshey, MyndTek

MyndTek develops software to help mental health care providers partner with patients to optimize and manage mental health issues, including but not limited to: bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder and suicide risks.

Peter Hauck, Rink Rabbit

This sporting goods company designs and distributes high-performance gear for figure skating athletes. Rink Rabbit’s flagship product is a patent-pending practice bag.

Jessica Meyers, Porchlight

Porchlight’s mission is to prepare rural communities in the Midwest for a remote workforce and to prepare people to be remote workers.

Russell Mendenhall, Robin Royal

Royal Robin creates “breathtaking oil-finished art of that which is most precious to you, your family.” These near-to-life and life-size art pieces immortalize a special moment of love forever.

Marcela Salas, Salas Salsas

This mother-daughter business specializes in salsas and tamales, with plans for a food truck and future expansion.

Jamie Sterk, Wounded Healer Recovery

Owner Jamie Sterk’s passion is “to create a recovery community by teaching the healing elements of reiki and yoga to those wanting to find their healing path.”

Other graduates of the most recent cohort are:

• Jesus Gonzalez, A Moment Forever.
• Albert and Kayla Huizing, Huizing Properties LLC.
• Carly Kewley, CK Design.
• Erica Locke, Articulate.
• Elsa Posey, Solar Xpress.
• Rachel Stroschein.

Tickets to Startup Pitch Night cost $10. The night will include a signature CO.STARTERS “happy half-hour” with free startup seltzer, complimentary appetizers and a full cash bar. Click here to register and for the full schedule.

Meet the entrepreneurs: CO.STARTERS program welcomes third cohort of 2021