St. George, Utah, March 26, 2013 – Grow Utah Ventures, SEED Dixie, and USTAR are in search of the next “Big Idea.” They want to know if you have what it takes to turn your idea from a concept to a company. If so, they want to award you with cash and services to build your company and create the economic development of the future.

Now in its fifth year, the Concept to Company competition seeks to help encourage entrepreneurs and bring “value added” growth to the region. The competition will focus on general technology innovations, however Jill Elliss, Director of southern Utah USTAR, says, “The category is actually very broad and can include any innovation that creates, supports or utilizes technology. Our focus is on marketable solutions that have the potential to establish job creating companies.”

The contest organizers expect another great turnout of wonderful ideas. Winners from previous contests are all progressing. Ductwizard, the 2012 Grand Prize winner from St. George, has launched its software and is attracting attention among HVAC suppliers and installers alike. Also from 2012, John Lee’s jar opener innovation, from Springdale, has gone through several prototypes and is being assessed by a manufacturer in Las Vegas and Scent Master, from Iron County, has introduced its new diffuser to target groups on the east coast and has received so many orders that the company is now adding employees.

This year’s prizes include:

• Grand Prize winner: $20,000 total package; $10,000 Cash, $5,000 in-kind and $5,000 in consulting services.
• Two runners up: $10,000 total packages (each): $5,000 Cash, $2,500 in-kind and $2,500 in consulting services.
• In-kind services include legal counseling from Durham Jones and Pinegar Law, accounting services from Savage, Esplin & Radmall, CPAs; and web development from OverAct Development Technology Partners as well as consulting from the USTAR, SEED Dixie and Utah Small Business Development Center Resources. The cash is awarded from an anonymous donor who supports entrepreneurship.

Grow Utah Ventures CEO Craig Bott says his organization is pleased to facilitate the southern Utah contest once again. “We are excited for another great contest. Every year the entrepreneurs seem better prepared with more advanced ideas that are ready to become significant new businesses in the region.”

Applications may be received from throughout the state, however the Five County regions of: Iron, Washington, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver, will receive a special point preference for this particular contest.  Aside from brand new startups, existing companies with new products or product versions may enter the contest if their product idea is in the pre-revenue phase. To register and see complete contest rules, please visit www.ConceptToCompany.org.

The contest is totally free to apply and applications will be accepted until April 30, 2013. Although it is not required, USTAR and Utah Small Business Development Center staff will be available by appointment to review entries prior to submission.  “We want to help applicants submit their best entries,” Elliss said.  Review inquiries may be directed to Matt Ehrenberg, mehrenberg@utah.gov.

About SEED Dixie

Through an initiative sponsored by the Washington County Economic Development Council, the SEED Dixie project has established a strategic direction for the Washington county area and surrounding region for fostering entrepreneurial development and the creation of growth and high growth businesses. The overall objective is to strengthen the regional economy by creating more diversified industries.

http://www.dixiebusinessalliance.com/seed/index.php

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 95 companies. For more information about Grow Utah Ventures, visit www.GrowUtahVentures.com.

About USTAR

About USTAR:
The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) is a long-term, state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s “knowledge economy” and generate high-paying jobs. Funded in March 2006 by the State Legislature, USTAR is based on three program areas. The first area involves funding for strategic investments at the University of Utah and Utah State University to recruit world-class researchers. The second area is to build state-of-the-art interdisciplinary facilities at these institutions for the innovation teams. The third program area involves teams that work with companies and entrepreneurs across the State to promote science, innovation, and commercialization activities. For more information, go to www.innovationutah.com or follow http://twitter.com/Innovationutah.

- Grow Utah Ventures Announces the ELITE Entrepreneur Learning Initiative and Lean Startup Training –

SALT LAKE CITY, October 18, 2012 –  Most successful entrepreneurs were certainly born with characteristics that enable them to endure the tough challenges of starting a business. But personality traits alone don’t make all the difference. In fact, more and more, the skills that are required to succeed can be effectively learned through experienced based instruction. The ELITE entrepreneur learning initiative, launched by Grow Utah Ventures today, will begin teaching such instruction to increase an entrepreneur’s success.

As a privately funded non-profit, Grow Utah Ventures has serviced Utah’s economy over the last several years by helping hundreds of entrepreneurs start successful businesses. In effort to accelerate even more entrepreneurial success, Grow Utah Ventures has launched ELITE- the Entrepreneur Learning Initiative for Tomorrow’s Enterprises. “The training emphasis of ELITE is on entrepreneurs learning- not experts lecturing,” said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO Grow Utah. “The carefully selected curriculum and topics that are offered through will provide entrepreneurs with the very best skills and essential knowledge they need to be successful enterprises of tomorrow.”

Based on years of observing successful entrepreneurs, the ELITE curriculum addresses the most critical topics and employs innovative instructional methodologies to help entrepreneurs. Selected entrepreneurs from across all regions of the state will be invited to attend the Elite training. Overall, the objective is to raise the probability of success by increasing the overall ability and skills of the entrepreneurs.

The initial ELITE training course being offered is the “Lean StartUp- Nail It Then Scale It” course. This learning experience prepares entrepreneurs to select market-ready business opportunities that are validated by potential customers and truly meet user needs. Incorporating the latest innovation around launching a lean start-up, this learning course helps entrepreneurs avoid the mistake of chasing a poor business model and focus them on a strategy for success.

“The Lean StartUp- Nail It Scale It training, truly changes how entrepreneurs think about their business,” said Steven Roy one of the training designers. “This training gives entrepreneurs the principles and practical tools to implement the concepts promoted by leading lean start-up authors such as Steve Blank, Eric Ries and Nathan Furr of Brigham Young University. Based on our experience, the entrepreneurs who attend the training are better able to define their business, deliver what is needed and more rapidly achieve sales,” he added.

ELITE has already conducted two sessions of the “Lean StartUp – Nail It Then Scale It” course to entrepreneurs in the St. George and Cedar City region. These well-received and highly successful sessions will be followed by two more sessions that are scheduled in the immediate future:

Nov 9- at the NorthFront Business Resource Center in Kaysville, Utah

Nov 28- as a part of the Pushbutton Digital Media Summit

For more information, visit www.eliteutah.org

 -  Mobile App Contest Will Award Utah Start-ups $45K for Best Apps  -

OGDEN, October 10, 2012 – Grow Utah Ventures, Northfront Business Resource Center and Weber State University/StartUp Ogden announced its Mobile App “Concept to Company” contest today. The contest is open to all innovators and designers with a new application or software to be delivered on a mobile platform such as a smartphone or tablet device.

The contest is designed to help mobile app entrepreneurs turn their concepts into a company. “It couldn’t be easier and at the same time more challenging to launch a mobile app business,” said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “The idea and the code are often the easy part. But its all the other things- the user experience, the marketing strategy, the strategic partners and of course the initial funding that make the difference, “ he continued. “That’s where the Mobile App Concept to Company contest comes in- those who apply and win this contest will be much further down the road in achieving their dreams.”

From among the entries, a small group of finalists will be selected to present their innovations to mobile app and industry experts who will judge the applicants. A grand prizewinner will be awarded $22,500 in cash and services. Two runner-up winners will each receive $11,250. Cash prizes are provided by Grow Utah Ventures, Zions Bank, Northfront Business Resource Center and StartUp Ogden which is part of Weber State University. Service prizes are offered by Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services) which are corporate sponsors of the 2012 contest.

“Utah is filled with bright and innovative developers and programmers, “said Alex Lawrence, Vice Provost at Weber State University and StartUp Ogden supporter. “This contest goes hand-in-hand with our goal to work with more mobile developers in Ogden,” he continued. “This initiative is focused on accelerating the creation and successful launch of mobile businesses by concentrating all that energy and innovation into a central location in downtown Ogden. This will put northern Utah on the map as the place to launch a mobile application business in Utah,” he concluded.

“We’re supportive of this vision and feel that the Mobile App Concept to Company Contest is a great way to kick start it,” said Steve Cloward, Executive Director of the Northfront Business Resource Center located in Kaysville. “Our resources and expertise are dedicated to helping all businesses in northern Utah, and through this contest, we are able to focus on those serving the mobile applications market,” he concluded.

In addition to the prizes, finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their winning innovations at the Pushbutton Digital Media Summit on November 29. The summit, sponsored by Grow Utah Ventures and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, is the state’s premier digital event bringing together all of the players across the spectrum of digital media. “This will be great exposure for the contest winners,” Bott added. “They will get cash, professional services, and receive the attention of the industry…. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Applications for this contest are due November 4th. To apply or get more details on this and other “Concept to Company” contests, visit www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Grow Utah Ventures
Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 95 companies.

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Facebook:  www.facebook.com/growutahventures
Twitter: @groutahventures ; #GrowUT

PR Contacts:
Justin Bott
Grow Utah Ventures
(801) 593-2269
info@growutahventures.com

- Medical Device Companies get a little First Aid from Grow Utah Ventures Concept to Company Contest -

SALT LAKE CITY, September 10, 2012 – Every entrepreneur needs a little first aid when it comes to launching their new business, especially those in the highly competitive medical device market. “The medical device and technology market is often overlooked because it’s complicated and challenging,” said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “Given the additional hoops and regulations a medical device innovator has to jump through, it can seem a bit daunting. That’s where the Concept to Company contest is the perfect prescription,” he continued. “Just apply, win the cash and services, and of course call us on the morning you succeed.”

The Medical Concept to Company contest is open to entrepreneurs with new medical devices or medical technology innovations such as disposable medical devices, drug delivery systems, imaging equipment, monitoring technologies, or any other non-pharmaceutical technology that can be used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis or prevention of a disease or abnormal physical condition.

From among the entries, a small group of finalists will be selected to present their ideas to industry judges. A grand prizewinner will be awarded $22,500 in cash and services. Two runner-up winners will each receive $11,250. Cash prizes are provided by Grow Utah Ventures & Zions Bank while the service prizes are contributed by Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services) which are major sponsors of all the 2012 contests.

“The State of Utah is committed to a renewed focus on our medical device industry and the C2C competition is a great way to help focus time talent and resources on the entrepreneurs in this sector, “ said Dr. Suzanne Winters, newly appointed Executive Director of the Utah’s Life Science Cluster Acceleration initiative. “Utah has a rich history in medical devices and the number and quality of medical device inventions coming out of contests such as C2C is an important component for our growth.”

What make these contest so unique are the industry experts that review and advise the innovators. “To compete for the grand prize was great, but to receive advice and input from experts in my industry was invaluable,” said Jake Hall, 2011 Medical Contest Winner. “The quality of the judges was amazing and connecting with them was just as valuable as the prize.”

In addition to the prizes, finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their winning innovations to those attending Utah’s annual MD4 Medical Device Summit which will be held at the Grand America Hotel on November 8. The MD4 Summit is Utah’s premier medical device summit gathering industry experts from across the state and the nation. This affords the contest winners with the unique opportunity for expert review and to make invaluable connections with the industry leaders.
To apply, complete a short on-line application describing the innovation. All applications must be received by October 7, 2012. For more details on this, and other “Concept to Company” contests, visit www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Grow Utah Ventures
Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 85 companies.

###
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/growutahventures
Twitter: @groutahventures ; #GrowUT

PR Contacts:
Justin Bott
Grow Utah Ventures
(801) 593-2269
info@growutahventures.com

- Winners Received $40,000 in Cash and Services to Launch Their Businesses -

SALT LAKE CITY, June 27, 2012 – Grow Utah Ventures is pleased to announce iLights as the 2012 Grand Prize Winner of their Consumer Products “Concept to Company” contest.

iLights was developed by Josh Wiscombe and Bret Millar and is a one-of-a-kind string of light bulbs that can be controlled using a smartphone app.  More than 512 different colors and patterns can be programmed for each individual bulb simultaneously.

As the grand prize winner, iLights received $5,000 from the NorthFront Business Resource Center, and SEED Weber-Davis-Morgan. They also received $15,000 of in-kind services from the major contest sponsors, including:  Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services). Zions Bank and Cisco were also financial supporters of the event.

Roller Tools by Kim Kimball and BreathEasy Infant Sleep System & Monitor by Scott Miles were announced as the two runners up in the contest and each received $5,000 in cash and $5,000 in in-kind services and mentoring to further their businesses.

•Roller Tools – OSS Roller Tools are a unique set of landscaping, and gardening tools using wheels as a fulcrum point which creates side to side stability and a greater ability to level, grade, and move or spread materials evenly.

•BreathEasy Infant Sleep System & Monitor – BreathEasy is an infant monitoring system that prevents conditions contributing to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It monitors heartbeat and breathing while also providing fresh, filtered, temperature controlled air directly to the sleeping surface.

“This year’s group of finalists was outstanding”, said Steve Cloward, Director of NorthFront Business Resource Center.  “It was very hard to select only three winners. However, the three that were chosen developed some very unique consumer products with really big potential. With the help of this contest, we fully expect them to succeed. It will be fun to watch them grow.”

These three winners were part of an original group of eight finalists that presented their business ideas to judges and industry experts in a private day of judging earlier this month at the NorthFront Business Resource Center in Kaysville.

ILights, Roller Tools and BreathEasy were chosen as the top three winners; however the grand prize winner was not announced until a few days later at the CrowdPitch event, also held at the NorthFront Business Resource Center.

CrowdPitch events are a way for the public to get involved with the Concept to Company contests and bring exposure to the winners.  In an entertaining mini-reality show format, the top three entrepreneurs pitched their ideas again to the industry experts and investors, however, this time in front of the general audience. This provided a unique opportunity for the audience to observe the decision making process that goes into investing in a business and to share the passion and excitement of business creation.

The three selected entrepreneurs were given five minutes to pitch their company to both the panel of experts and a live audience, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.  Afterwards, the experts offer constructive feedback for the entrepreneurs and audience members got to vote on their favorite.

“To be chosen as a winner and then present my product at the CrowdPitch event was an unbelievable experience for me,” said Josh Wiscombe, owner of iLights.  “It was a bit nerve-racking to pitch my product in front of 200 people, but the judges offered great feedback and it was all worth it in the end. This whole contest, from the application process, judge’s presentation, CrowdPitch presentation, networking and more have helped me hone my skills and prepared me to hit the ground running with iLights.”

At the conclusion of the CrowdPitch event, the grand prize winner was then revealed to be iLights, as well as the audience favorite, which was also iLights.  Prizes and awards were then given to the winners.

The Concept to Company competition is an ongoing innovation contest. Held in different regions across Utah, each contest focuses on a different industry. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch more than 80 companies. Two more contests will be held later this year focusing on mobile apps and medical devices.  For more information, visit:  www.ConceptToCompany.org

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About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy.

The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

Comprised of a team of successful and experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and private investors, Grow Utah Ventures accomplishes its mission by leading initiatives that fill critical gaps needed for economic and entrepreneurial expansion and encourage others to do the same. As such, Grow Utah Ventures serve as a catalyst to form new partnerships, develop innovative solutions, and capture breaking opportunities that will solve our economic issues today and ensure a sound foundation for our future economy.

PR Contacts:

Justin Bott

Grow Utah Ventures

(801) 593-2269

info@growutahventures.com

- Eight Entrepreneurs Compete for $40,000 at Public Event -

SALT LAKE CITY,  June 04, 2012 – Eight bright innovators have been chosen out of a whopping 120 applicants as finalists in the latest Grow Utah Ventures’ Concept to Company Contest, where they will compete for their share of $40,000 in cash and services to launch their product into the marketplace.

The contest is part of an ongoing series of contests held throughout the state with this one focusing on “Consumer Products”. Competing entrepreneurs were invited to enter their latest and greatest consumer product ideas geared for various markets, including outdoor recreation, medical, household use, family and children, education and more.

Through this fun, fast-paced contest, early stage entrepreneurs will compete against peers and be judged by industry executives and experts.  The finalists in the Consumer Products Concept to Company contest are as follows:

The Slack Pack, by Prival Concepts LLC – The Slack Pack is a compact, sleek and effective avalanche safety kit for all snow sport enthusiasts. Its unique compact design allows it to be worn without a backpack.

Bud-e-Bands by Brad Walters - Bud-e-Bands are electronic silicon wristbands that interact with other people’s Bud-e-Bands as well as linking the interaction to online social applications such as Facebook.

iLights by Josh Wiscombe – iLights is a string of light bulbs that can be controlled using a smartphone app.  Over 512 different colors and patterns can be programmed.

Roller Tools by Kim Kimball- OSS Roller Tools are a unique set of landscaping, and gardening tools using wheels as a fulcrum point which creates side to side stability and a greater ability to level, grade, and move or spread materials evenly.

BreathEasy™ Infant Sleep System & Monitor by Scott Miles- BreathEasy is an infant monitoring system that prevents conditions contributing to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It monitors heartbeat and breathing while also providing fresh, filtered, temperature controlled air directly to the sleeping surface.

ColdFire Devices by ColdFire LLC- ColdFire is a training device that pneumatically cycles a semi-automatic pistol when the trigger is pulled. It is a safe, cost effective, way to practice the fundamental skills of shooting away from the range and without ammunition.

Gherkin Back Pack by In A Pikle, LLC – The Gherkin Pack is a compact, rugged organizer for the man on the go. It organizes all the little essentials for the daily routine while camping, scouting, at work or play.

iJumpDrive by Jordan Poulson- iJumpDrive is a USB storage drive that can plug into any Apple iDevice and easily transfer movies, music, pictures, and files between the device and a computer.

“We are thrilled with the caliber of applicants in this contest and they each face stiff competition”, said T. Craig Bott, President  & CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “Utah has unique expertise and great capacity in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and we are excited to host this event for those who innovate and make great products but need some help getting them off the ground.”

The finalists presented to judges and industry experts on June 1st at the NorthFront Business Center in a private day of judging. Three final winners were selected and will now present their ideas again at the public CrowdPitch event on June 6, also at the NorthFront Business Center in Kaysville.  At the conclusion of the event, the winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

CrowdPitch events are a way for the public to get involved with the Concept to Company contest and bring exposure to the winners.  Along with learning from judge’s feedback, audience members will get to invest their own “CrowdCash” in their business of choice, with prizes being given to the winning “CrowdCash” investors. The CrowdPitch event is free but seating is limited and RSVP is required.  Please visit http://crowdpitch14.eventbrite.com/ for more details.

The winners of this contest will receive a significant amount of support. The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 in cash and $15,000 in services and the two runner-up winners will each receive $2,500 in cash and $7,500 in services.  The cash prizes will be funded by the NorthFront Business Resource Center, Grow Utah Ventures, and SEED Weber-Davis-Morgan. The service prizes will be awarded from Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services). Zions Bank and Cisco are also financial supporters of the event.

“Entrepreneurs often need a little extra push to get them started and this contest will provide just that,” said Steve Cloward, Director of the NorthFront Business Resource Center, regional host for the contest. “Whoever wins the contest is going to be surrounded with money and fantastic support to really get their idea off the ground.”

The Concept to Company competitions are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state with each contest focusing on a different industry. To date, the Concept to Company contests have distributed more than $540,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 80 companies. Two more contests will be held later this year focusing on Mobile Apps and Medical Devices.

For more information, visit: www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy.

The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

Comprised of a team of successful and experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and private investors, Grow Utah Ventures accomplishes its mission by leading initiatives that fill critical gaps needed for economic and entrepreneurial expansion and encourage others to do the same. As such, Grow Utah Ventures serve as a catalyst to form new partnerships, develop innovative solutions, and capture breaking opportunities that will solve our economic issues today and ensure a sound foundation for our future economy.

###

PR Contacts:

Justin Bott

Grow Utah Ventures

(801) 593-2269

info@growutahventures.com

- Fledgling companies create solutions for business and consumer problems -

ST GEORGE, May 11, 2012 -Brandon and Travis Gates, owners of DuctWizard, a St. George software application allowing HVAC companies to conveniently order custom ductwork over the internet, walked away as Grand Prize winners of the Southern Utah Concept to Company contest. The Gates brothers won $10,000 for their efforts along with another $10,000 in services from local companies.

Runners up companies each winning $5000 in cash and $5000 in services were John Lee, Springdale, with his adjustable Jar holder and opener; and Jeff Shepherd, Enoch, who markets The Scent Master 3500,  a  commercial and home aroma diffusion system.

T. Craig Bott of Grow Utah Ventures who hosted the event said the 2012 Southern Utah contest attracted over 50 applicants with a variety of business ideas. From the 50, eight finalists were selected to present their ideas in front of a panel of industry experts and successful entrepreneurs in a closed door session.

The final three winners each presented at a Grow Utah Ventures CrowdPitch, where a public audience looked in as an investor panel evaluated and commented on the fledgling companies. Audience members were also invited to invest “Crowd cash” in their favorite company. Scent Master was the audience choice winner.

Jill Elliss, of USTAR and SEED Dixie who cohosts the contest and event said the variety of tech related applicants was striking. “Each tells a very compelling story, but each still has significant obstacles to overcome before they reach their dream,” Elliss said.

Brandon Gates of DuctWizard told the judges his idea was over five years I the making. The Gates brothers own an HVAC company in St. George, and the software is a solution to some of the problems they’ve seen in the industry. Now with most of the programming complete, the site will be officially launched midsummer. “By recruiting and setting up DuctWizard franchisees across the nation, quality custom ductwork can be available to everyone,” Gates said.

John Lee, a retired mechanical engineer living in Springdale responded when his wife couldn’t open a jar of their home made grape juice. With 60 million baby boomers on the horizon, Lee believes his patent pending adjustable jar opening system will be a big seller on QVC and in big box stores. The audience members crowding around his prototype after the event seemed to agree.

Scent Master’s sales director Jeff Shepherd won the audience as his device diffused the scent of fir trees across the room. “Businesses stink,” he pointed out, but many businesses can use scent as an appealing branding device. Scent Master, an existing company with some market share in the industry, sees the new diffuser as an opportunity to capture more of the commercial market.

Elliss pointed out that the companies donating services, Durham Jones and Pinegar Law, Savage Esplin and Radmall accounting and OveractDev technology partners each had a part to play in addition to the cash awards donated by a local business person who wishes to remain anonymous. The southern Utah USTAR and Small Business Development Center teams will coach and monitor the fledgling companies’ progress as milestones are met.

The Concept to Company competitions are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state with each contest focusing on a different industry. Winning entrepreneurs receive significant cash awards as well as mentoring services from leading professional service partners. To date, the “Concept to Company” contests have distributed more than $540,000 in cash and services and have helped launch over 80 companies. Grow Utah Ventures with the help of Zions Bank has hosted over 15 contests throughout the state

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy.

The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

Comprised of a team of successful and experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and private investors, Grow Utah Ventures accomplishes its mission by leading initiatives that fill critical gaps needed for economic and entrepreneurial expansion and encourage others to do the same. As such, Grow Utah Ventures serve as a catalyst to form new partnerships, develop innovative solutions, and capture breaking opportunities that will solve our economic issues today and ensure a sound foundation for our future economy.

About Zions Bank 

Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution, and is the only local bank with statewide distribution of branches, operating 114 full-service branches throughout Utah. Zions Bank also operates 24 full-service branches in Idaho, and nearly 200 ATMs throughout Utah and Idaho. In addition to a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions offers a comprehensive array of investment and mortgage services, and has a network of loan origination offices for small businesses nationwide. The company is also a leader in providing electronic banking services, including electronic municipal bond trading. Founded in 1873, Zions has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 135 years. Additional information is available at www.zionsbank.com.

About USTAR

The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) is a long-term, state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s “knowledge economy” and generate high-paying jobs. Funded in March 2006 by the State Legislature, USTAR is based on three program areas. The first area involves funding for strategic investments at the University of Utah and Utah State University to recruit world-class researchers. The second area is to build state-of-the-art interdisciplinary facilities at these institutions for the innovation teams. The third program area involves teams that work with companies and entrepreneurs across the State to promote science, innovation, and commercialization activities. For more information, go to www.innovationutah.com or follow http://twitter.com/Innovationutah.

About SEED Dixie

Through an initiative sponsored by the Washington County Economic Development Council, the SEED Dixie project has established a strategic direction for the Washington county area and surrounding region for fostering entrepreneurial development and the creation of growth and high growth businesses. The overall objective is to strengthen the regional economy by creating a diversified economy.

http://www.dixiebusinessalliance.com/seed/index.php

COMPETE FOR THEIR SHARE OF $40,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES

- Concept to Company Contest Designed to Ignite New Products and Ideas in Utah’s Entrepreneurs -

SALT LAKE CITY, May 15, 2012 – The application deadline is looming for the latest installment of Grow Utah Ventures’ Concept to Company contests, where entrepreneurs turn their pipe dreams into realities.

The Concept to Company competitions are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state with each contest focusing on a different industry.  Winning entrepreneurs receive significant cash awards as well as mentoring services from leading professional service partners. To date, the Concept to Company contests have distributed more than $540,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 80 companies.

The current contest focuses on “Consumer Products” and is open to all new consumer products that are tangible and require some degree of manufacturing.  The products can be suited for any number of markets, including outdoor recreation, fitness, household use, family and children, education and more.

Applications for the Consumer Products Concept to Company contest must be received by May 20 and winners will be announced on June 6 at the CrowdPitch event held at the NorthFront Business Resource Center located in Kaysville.

“Utah has unique expertise and great capacity in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and we are excited to host this event for those who innovate and make great products but need some help getting them off the ground,” said T. Craig Bott, President  & CEO of Grow Utah Ventures.  “Anyone with a cool product idea, and the drive to build it, should apply.”

From among the applicants, a group of eight finalists will be selected to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges, including company executives, investors, and experts with vast experience building and selling products.

Three winners will be chosen from the finalist pool and announced a few days later at the CrowdPitch event on June 6. This will be a public event for the audience to participate in the contest.  The winners will pitch their ideas again in front of the audience and judges will give open feedback that will benefit the entrepreneurs, as well as the attendees.

The Grand Prize winner of the contest will receive $5,000 in cash and $15,000 in services.  The two runners-up will each receive $2,500 in cash and $7,500 in services.  The cash prizes will be funded by the NorthFront Business Resource Center and SEED Weber-Davis-Morgan.

“Entrepreneurs often need a little extra push to get them started and this contest will provide just that,” said Steve Cloward, Director of the NorthFront Business Resource Center, regional host for the contest. “Whoever wins the contest is going to be surrounded with money and fantastic support to really get their idea off the ground.”

As part of the winnings, entrepreneurs will receive valuable service prizes from sponsors. The major corporate sponsors supporting this event, as well as offering service prizes, are: Zions Bank, Cisco, Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services).

For more information, and to apply, visit: www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy.

The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

Comprised of a team of successful and experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and private investors, Grow Utah Ventures accomplishes its mission by leading initiatives that fill critical gaps needed for economic and entrepreneurial expansion and encourage others to do the same. As such, Grow Utah Ventures serve as a catalyst to form new partnerships, develop innovative solutions, and capture breaking opportunities that will solve our economic issues today and ensure a sound foundation for our future economy.

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PR Contacts:

Justin Bott

Grow Utah Ventures

(801) 593-2269

press@growutahventures.com

- Finalists to Compete for $40,000 in Cash & Services to Launch Their Business -

SALT LAKE CITY, May 1, 2012 – Eight lucky entrepreneurs have just been chosen out of some fifty applicants as finalists in the latest Grow Utah Ventures’ Concept to Company Contest, where they will compete for their share of $40,000 in cash and services to launch their business.

The Concept to Company competitions are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state with each contest focusing on a different industry. Winning entrepreneurs receive significant cash awards as well as mentoring services from leading professional service partners. To date, the “Concept to Company” contests have distributed more than $540,000 in cash and services and have helped launch over 80 companies.

Through these successful contests, early stage entrepreneurs compete against peers and are judged by industry executives and experts.  The finalists in the Southwest Utah General Technology contest are as follows:

Special FX Astronomy Filters – New astronomy filters utilizing Special FX’s existing clean room technology allowing for high quality and low cost.

F.A.M.A. by B3DB Geomodels – An interactive facility mapping application that gives access to critical facility data through mapping platforms such as Google Earth. This can be used by staff, emergency responders, and facility managers during critical situations.

DuctWizard - A software infrastructure that allows HVAC companies to conveniently order custom ductwork over the internet. Current order processes are old and outdated and the DuctWizard aims to solve that problem.

Modular UTV System – A unique UTV (utility vehicle) mounting system allowing the attachment of various equipment for specific functions such as wildland fire suppression.

Adjustable Jar Lid Release System – A patent-pending adjustable jar clamp and pliers to allow seniors with limited hand motion to easily open jars and bottles.

Scent Master 3500 – A commercial quality scent and aromatherapy system that also cleans and disinfects the air.  It can be used table top, wall mounted, or connected directly to the existing HVAC system for scenting an entire building.

Face to Face English – An online, interactive English teaching system that uses video chat to broadcast teachers to students’ screens. This drastically cuts the costs of having English teachers be in the classrooms and still provides a way for students to practice English communications in real-life situations.

TrailScale by CLD Specialties – An electronic roll and pitch meter with audible alarm and a lighted display, designed for use with a four-wheel drive vehicle, boat or ATV.

“The Concept to Company contests provide the perfect catalyst for entrepreneurs in this area,” said Jill Eliss, USTAR South SEED Dixie Director and co-host of the event.  “We are thrilled with the caliber of finalists in this contest and know they will add significant value to the small business climate in the Dixie Area.”

T. Craig Bott, President/ CEO of Grow Utah Ventures added, “We’ve run this particular contest three times in Southern Utah and every year it keeps getting better.  This year we are seeing applicants more prepared and the winners are going to be that much more ready to hit the ground running.”

The finalists will present to judges and industry experts on May 9^th at Dixie State University in a private day of judging. Three final winners will be selected and then invited to present their ideas again at the public CrowdPitch event on May 10, also held at Dixie State University in the Dunford Auditorium.

The CrowdPitch event is a way for the public to get involved with the Concept to Company contest and bring exposure to the winners.  In a highly entertaining mini-reality show format, the top three entrepreneurs will “pitch” their ideas to a panel of industry experts and investors in front of the general audience.  This provides a unique opportunity for the audience to observe the decision making process that goes into investing in a business.  Audience members will also invest their own “CrowdCash” in their business of choice with prizes being given to the winning “CrowdCash” investors.

The CrowdPitch event is free but seating is limited and RSVP is required.  Please visit http://crowdpitch13.eventbrite.com/ for more details. These popular events provide opportunity for a broad audience to share the passion and excitement of business creation and network with other entrepreneurs.

Following the CrowdPitch event, the three Concept to Company winners will be awarded their prizes. The winners will receive a significant cash award: of $10,000 to the grand prize winner and $5,000 to each runner-up.  In addition, the winners will receive $25,000 of in-kind service prizes from the major contest sponsors, including:  Grow Utah Ventures, SEED Dixie, Durham Jones & Pinegar Law (legal servies), OveractDev Technology Partners (web services), Savage Esplin & Radmall Accounting (financial services). The cash and services help fulfill the purpose of the contest which is to assist entrepreneurs through real money, real services and real help.

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy.

The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

Comprised of a team of successful and experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and private investors, Grow Utah Ventures accomplishes its mission by leading initiatives that fill critical gaps needed for economic and entrepreneurial expansion and encourage others to do the same. As such, Grow Utah Ventures serve as a catalyst to form new partnerships, develop innovative solutions, and capture breaking opportunities that will solve our economic issues today and ensure a sound foundation for our future economy.

###

PR Contacts:

Justin Bott

Grow Utah Ventures

(801) 593-2269

info@growutahventures.com

“Concept to Company” Consumer product contest opens today

By Cathy Mckitrick | The Salt Lake Tribune
Published April 16, 2012
Article Location: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/53911181-79/contest-cash-utah-grow.html.csp

The Kaysville-based Grow Utah Ventures, a nonprofit organization aimed at sparking the creation of new startup businesses, kicked off a Concept to Company contest Monday, pledging $40,000 in cash and services to help entrepreneurs get their consumer-product ideas off the ground.

Innovators with inventions that are tangible and require some degree of manufacturing are urged to apply.

“One of our often overlooked sectors is engineering and manufacturing,” Grow Utah Ventures President T. Craig Bott said in a recent statement.

“Utah has unique expertise and great capacity in this sector, and we are so pleased to dedicate this event to those who innovate and make great products,” Bott added, encouraging “anyone with a cool product idea and the drive to build it” to enter the contest.

Eight finalists will be chosen from the entire pool of applicants. They will get the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who have business and investing backgrounds. From the eight, the judges will then select three winners, who will present their concepts again during a June 6 CrowdPitch event. The audience will get to vote on their favorites by investing “CrowdCash.”

The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 in cash and $15,000 in services, while the two runners-up will each win $2,500 in cash and $7,500 in services. The NorthFront Business Resource Center in Kaysville and SEED Weber-Davis-Morgan is funding the cash prizes.

Applications for the contest are due by May 20. For more information and to apply, go to www.ConceptToCompany.org.

This contest is one of several sponsored by Grow Utah Venture. To date, Concept to Company competitions have awarded more than $500,000 in cash prizes and services and helped launch over 75 companies.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

twitter: @catmck

Article Location: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/53911181-79/contest-cash-utah-grow.html.csp