BSED News: Big Sky Economic Development’s entrepreneurial programs, Rock31 and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) conducted their first Consumer Packed Goods Accelerator program. The program began in late March, the Accelerator helped founders grow their companies through a 10-week program. Rock31/SBDC provided intensive education, mentorship from hand-selected teams, connections to retailers and investors and access to a wealth of resources and expertise.
The participating companies spent 4 hours a week for the last 10-weeks working through our curriculum, diving deeper into their companies, and getting reconnected to their “why”. The 10-week program ended with an accelerator with a pitch competition during the Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Spring Conference in Billings, MT at the Northern Hotel. Four of the eight participating businesses pitched for the opportunity to win prizes and to meet potential investors.
“Through the SBDC/Rock31 Consumer Packaged Goods Accelerator, 8 companies were able to grow their businesses with the help of a 10-week accelerator program that provided education, mentorship, connections, and resources. The program required a weekly commitment of 4 hours and culminated in a pitch competition where 4 of the participating companies had the opportunity to win prizes and meet potential investors. I am truly amazed by the dedication each of these businesses put into running and growing their own ventures. It’s remarkable! I feel incredibly proud and excited to see their businesses soar!” – Kayla Vokral, SBDC Business Advisor/Training Manager and Interim Rock31 Director.
Businesses that participated in the Consumer-Packaged Goods Accelerator:
- Rock Creek Soaps
- We are a woman-owned, family business that believes in doing what is good – for our customers, our community, and our environment. From our processes to our products, we have designed our company to care for people – body and soul. Each of our products – soaps, bath & shower tablets, balms, and lotions – is handcrafted in Montana with all-natural ingredients. We guarantee that each and every product we make is sulfate-, paraben-, phthalate- and cruelty-free with packaging that is 100% recyclable and, in many cases, even compostable.
- Montana Pure Protein
- Montana Pure Protein offers pulse protein and starch ingredients used to create solutions that satisfy consumer market demands for sustainable, flexible, and nutritious food products. At the core of our enterprise, and why we exist, is people and our desire to contribute positively to people’s aspirations by providing them access to the healthiest and highest quality of food ingredients and products.
- Georgette’s Galettes
- Galettes are a delightful Belgian treat with a soft sweet buttery vanilla taste with a surprising crispy crunch. No need for syrup; you eat them just as they are. We use only the best ingredients, no preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors. We import Belgium pearl sugar which gives it that surprising crunch. There are a lot of imitations out there, but none stand up to our quality or flavor. We are staying true to our Belgian pastry’s heritage which is known for quality and decadence.
- Erro Coffee
- Erro coffee is a small batch coffee roaster with a coffee rating of excellent. At their company, they go the extra mile to offer personalized labels for any occasion with their own small batch roasted coffee. Set your business or event apart with their custom coffee bags that are guaranteed to make you stand out.
- Alaskan Seafood Guys
- Alaskan Seafood Guys is a direct-to-consumer supplier of Wild Caught Seafood and ready-to-cook seafood kits!
- ZZem Screw
- ZZem Screw is a simple and cost-effective door security solution. Out of an astonishing 2 million home burglaries each yearin the USA, 60% gained access through the front door in seconds! (FBI Statistics). Most security technologies, like cameras and security lighting function AFTER the FACT. Most burglars don’t care if you have a porch light or security camera.
- ZZem Screw extends the holding power of screws in hinges and latches deep into the door framing, reinforcing the weak points of your doors. This revolutionary design will help protect you and your family.
- Stonerock Business Solutions
- Stonerock Business Solutions is for business owners who are searching for technical resources. We provide strategic solutions and grant writing expertise to access government, non-profit, and foundation funding. We help you navigate technical business processes to unlock financial opportunities and programs that seem out of reach. Unlike our competitors, we offer full-service business strategies.
Consumer Product Accelerator Pitch Competition Competitors:
- Georgette’s Galettes – 1st place winner of $5,000
- Rock Creek Soaps- 2nd place winner of $3,500
- Montana Pure Protein- 3rd place winner of $1,500
- Erro Coffee