Emporia Main Street’s Show of Hands competition made its return inside of the Emporia Granada Theatre Thursday night.
The short pitch competition featured presentations from four local entrepreneurs including Courtney Leek who pitched “The Parlor” a combination craft and production space. Melanie Smith, the owner of Raise Your Paws, presented her plans to expand the business to include an animal rescue program.
Angel Franco presented his plans to bring a new Hawaiian-themed food truck, “Pineapple Express,” to the Emporia community and Amanda Janzen presented her plans to create a child play space cafe and parental support center. All four entrepreneurs received varying sums of money towards their individual business plans through a combination of sponsor dollars and resident votes Thursday night.
Janzen took home the largest total of the night with $4,010. Speaking with KVOE News following the event, Janzen says her business model is all about creating “community.”
Leek received the second-highest cash total with $2,500. Smith received $2,250 in cash with Franco taking home $1,670.
In addition to the monetary figures, all four participants received $60 each in vinyl lettering from Coffelt Sign Co. with Franco and Smith also receiving $500 each in advertisement and Janzen and Leek receiving $1,050 in advertisement with KVOE.
Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods believes the creation of Show Your Hands has shown the “serious entrepreneur” there are “serious resources” available to help them chase their dreams.
Woods says each business must show “proof of work” towards their individual plans before they receive their full monetary amounts. If you would like more information on resources for starting your own business, visit Emporiamainstreet.com.
