SUU Announces Winners of State Bank Business Challenge

Southern Utah University was honored to host the State Bank Business Challenge as part of the One Utah Summit, a premier event in which the top leaders in the state of Utah convene with students and community members to build relationships and discuss the most influential topics impacting rural Utah.

State Bank of Southern Utah sponsored the competition with $30,000 in award money along with an additional $30,000 from various donors. The State Bank Business Challenge provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their small business ideas to a panel of professionals for various prizes varying from cash to mentoring opportunities.

This year, eight finalists won the following awards:

• James Thelin, MegaLoaf, $15,000 including the Grand Prize award, Best Pitch award and a special social media mention from Governor Cox

• Megan Hutchinson, Sunny Side Up Pastures, $15,000, including the Grand Prize award, State Bank Legacy and Values award and the Business Use award.

• Heidi Kershaw, Square in the Eye, $10,000, including the Audience Choice award, Business Use award and the Any Use award

• Jett Strand, Etched Timber, $8,000 including the Governor's Choice award, and the Best Student Business award.

• Cade Matheson, PhotoHive, $3,250 including the second Surprise Me award, and the Any Use award.

• Torrie Meidell, Dream Acre Flower Farm, $3000, including the Any Use Award and 2 mentoring sessions with Brad Bonham.

• JP Teerlink, Parable Devices, $2,000, including the Business Use Award.

• Kevin Ravenburg, Velocity Boards, $1,000, with the Director Award.