UTAH ENTREPRENEURS ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD
– Local Outdoor Rec Startups Win $40K. Featured at Outdoor Retailer Show –
SALT LAKE CITY, August 12th, 2014 – Utah is known for its spectacular outdoor recreation and entrepreneurial spirit. When the two are combined, something special usually occurs. Such was the case with the winners of Grow Utah’s 6th annual “Concept to Company” Outdoor Recreation Contest that awarded local outdoor rec startups with $40,000 in cash and services to get their product off the ground. The winners were also featured at the Outdoor Retailer show attended by 25,000 people last week in Salt Lake City.
The Outdoor Recreation Concept to Company contest was open to all new product or service innovations in the outdoor activities of hiking, camping, biking, paddlesports, snowsports and more. Innovations were judged by industry expert and three winners were awarded a share of $40,000 in cash and services to help them get their idea off the ground. Out of 50+ applicants, the winners were:
SoleFire (Grand Prize): A self-generated, battery-less, heated insole for outdoor recreation. The technology provides constant and consistent heat that is activated when the user stands or walks on the insole.
Astral by UltrAspire (Runner Up): The “Astral” is a new hydration hybrid vest that is the absolute first truly women specific hydration pack. It is designed for lower carriage of well balanced and equally distributed weight while curving under a women’s chest.
Jacket Rack-It (Runner Up): A device designed to hang wet life jackets off the side of the boat allowing them to dry in minutes and reduce boat clutter.
“I am absolutely thrilled to win this contest”, said Rick Atkin, Founder of SoleFire. “I’m a single entrepreneur working in my basement so getting out, entering this contest, and receiving help is a tremendous support. Aside from winning the prize, I also met some brilliant people who can help me manufacture, market, and sell my product which I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
The cash prizes were funded by Grow Utah, Zions Bank, and SEED Weber-Davis-Morgan. The service prizes were offered by WSU UCAID, USTAR, Durham Jones & Pinegar Law, and IFS Distributors
“The winners of this contest were surrounded with money and fantastic services to help get their idea off the ground”, said T. Craig Bott, President & CEO of Grow Utah. “Entrepreneurs often need that extra little push to get them started and this contest provided just that. We’re excited to see them take off.”
Following the contest, winners were invited to the Outdoor Retailer show to be featured at the Utah booth, presented by GOED’s Outdoor Rec Office. It was a unique opportunity to get their products in front of thousands of people and begin testing the market. Feedback on their products was very positive with many potential retailers interested in carrying the products when they are ready.
“Utah is a great place for outdoor products”, said Tara McKee of the Governor’s Outdoor Recreation Office. “People are excited about that new cool thing that will enhance their experience in the outdoors. This contest provides an avenue for entrepreneurs developing those products to step forward.”
The Concept to Company competitions are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. Organized by Grow Utah and supported by their partner Zions Bank, 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 contests have distributed more than $835,000 in prize money and services amongst 21 contests and have helped launch over 130 companies. For more information, upcoming contests, and to see highlight videos of past winners, visit: www.ConceptToCompany.org
About Grow Utah
Grow Utah, 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 is to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem 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.
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PR Contacts:
Justin Bott
Grow Utah
(801) 593-2269
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