We rescheduled not once but twice, and are thrilled to have hosted our inaugural Launch Night event on August 25th in downtown Lebanon, Indiana. Similar to last night’s Pitch Night in Zionsville, Launch Night is a pitching event and advocacy platform where five small businesses starting out present their business ideas in front of veteran small business owners and the community. This year’s pitchers were Grace Truck from Zionsville, Klooz Brews from Lebanon, The Maker Factory from Lebanon, McCormick Novelty from Advance, and Zionsville Urban Farms from Zionsville.
In addition to receiving the chance to win the grand prize (a $2,500 reimbursable grant) or the Jackson Investment Group People’s Choice Award, the five finalists all received a Business Bundle, wrap-around services for these small businesses. Special thanks to these sponsors:
- Allman Johnson CPAs & Advisors assisting with accounting and financial strategy
- Pixel Jocks assisting with web development and design
- Master Built Construction assisting with construction and remodeling guidance
- North Salem State Bank assisting with small business loan advisory
The Grand Prize was awarded to Klooz Brewz, a Brewery and Taproom in planning with the goal to become the first production brewery in Lebanon, Indiana, featuring a micro-kitchen and brews for all, including handcrafted beer, wine, spirits, and soda.
The winner of the Jackson IG People’s Choice Award was Grace Truck, a family-owned Boone County Food Truck focusing on thoughtful food. Grace Truck provides a clean eating option to Boone County including options that can accommodate vegans and those that are gluten-free while supporting local farms and businesses.
Ultimately, it was a night of great fun, engaging small businesses, and community advocacy as we all heard the stories of five unique small businesses on their journey to success. All very different stories, but one common message: small business are the backbone of our economy, and they are ready to call Boone County home.
Of course, this evening would not have been possible without the financial and in-kind help from our sponsors. In addition to the aforementioned sponsors, a special thank you to Team Balta with Century 21 Scheetz, Traditions Realty, Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Boone REMC, The Farmers Bank, and Edward Jones for financially sponsoring Launch Night. Without all of our sponsors, Pitch Night would not have been so successful.
Additionally, thank you to Nameless Catering Co. and the The UPS Store on Whitestown Parkway for the in-kind donations, which helped make Launch Night so remarkable.
Looking forward to seeing you all at next year’s event!