Last updated on October 6th, 2022
Hy-Vee awarded $50,000 to local minority- and women-owned businesses during the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
During the pitch competition component of the event, 15 companies from around the Midwest presented to a panel of judges and more than 400 attendees. Company leaders were able to demonstrate their products or explain their services for the chance to win a small-business grant. A Hy-Vee committee selected the participating companies from nearly 80 applications.
Hy-Vee recognized the following during an awards presentation that followed the pitch competition:
- Grand prize winner – $30,000
- Sweet Peaches Cobblers, Blue Springs, Missouri.
- Category: Food & Beverage
- 1st place – $5,000: Ophelia’s Blue Vine Farm, Kansas City, Missouri.
- Category: Innovation & Technology
- 1st place – $5,000: Interplay, Kansas City, Missouri.
- Category: Health, Wellness & Beauty
- 1st place – $5,000: Savvy Salon KC, Mission, Kansas.
Tre’s Squeeze, Supplemental Education, Café Cà Phê, The Good Dog Brand and Sharing Solace were also presented with smaller cash prizes for their business ventures.
In addition to the above winners, the following also participated in the pitch competition:
- Cap Creation, Overland Park, Kansas;
- Js MakeUp Artistry, Junction City, Kansas;
- Natural High Wellness Center & Spa, Leawood, Kansas;
- SEG Media Collective, Manhattan, Kansas;
- Smart Cookies Bakery, LLC, Overland Park, Kansas; and
- Yes! Athletics, LLC, Topeka, Kansas.
Hy-Vee’s event featured an expo that offered resources for small businesses, learning opportunities through presentations and panel discussions and the chance to learn about local brands. Event space was provided courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The summit is one of several initiatives led by Hy-Vee that helps support minority- and women-owned businesses in the communities it serves.
For additional information, visit hy-vee.com.
