COSE Announces Northeast Ohio Business Plan Challenge Winners

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Business plans from Akron, Aurora and Copley won top honors in Northeast Ohio Business Plan Challenge, COSE’s third business plan contest since 2002. Thirty-two other companies received Judges Special Recognition Awards. Winners, chosen from 242 business plans submitted in July, received more than $350,000 in cash and prizes. The awards were announced yesterday during a celebration of entrepreneurship at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.

“We’re thrilled with the diversity and strength of this year’s entries,” said Jeanne Coughlin, chairman of COSE and president of The Coughlin Group. “Considering business plans are the bedrock of successful businesses, we have great hopes for the future of all those who took the time to enter the Challenge and for northeast Ohio.”

More than $350,000 in prizes was awarded, which included $122,000 in cash. Each of the three main category winners received $30,000 in cash, as well as various business assistance products and services, such as Web site development, legal services, logo design and a COSE membership. Each of the 32 Judges Special Recognition Award recipients received $1,000 in cash and other business assistance products and services.

The main category winners are:

  • Start-Up: Tidal Gardens, Than Thein, president—The Akron-based company specializes in the propagation of live coral for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. Company founders have a deep appreciation for the natural reefs, and through their work encourage a self-sustaining hobby that no longer requires the collection of corals from the ocean.
  • Growth/Innovation: Spring Hill Farms Productions, Michael Kirk, president and Jeffrey Grover, executive producer—Established in 2001, this Aurora-based entertainment company is dedicated to creating television “DocuFilms”™ and long-form television series productions to educate a broad audience by incorporating the documentary style with the film “entertainment” look and feel.
  • Idea/Concept: Grab Your Apron, LLC, Tracey McCurrach, chief management officer, and Liz Timm, chief operating officer--Formed in 2005, this Copley-based company is a new entrant into an emerging segment of the restaurant industry called Meal Facilitation and Preparation, which offers busy consumers a new choice for quality meal preparation.

Recipient of the Judges Special Recognition Awards are:

A Place For Us Development, Inc.

Linda Krasienko, President

Absolute Music Productions, LLC

Dustin J. Elliott, Owner

Alumina Inc.

Kerwick and Molly Ryan

Authentic Films LLC

Kevin Kerwin, Director

Balanced Living Magazine, LLC

Maggie Busser

Bob Perkoski

B-to-B Connect

Laura T. Leggett

James W. Hornyak

Caxton Growth Partners LLC

Brian Powers

Tim Gregory

Chartreuse Inc.

Charity A. Ewanko

Cleveland NanoCrystals, Inc.

Donna M. Richardson

Cleveland Reads

Catherine Thomas

Dimpledough LLC

Shawn Barrieau

Scott Andrews

EcoKiss Décor & Gifts

Caren Henry-Glatcz

Embrace Pet Insurance

Laura Bennett and Alex Krooglik

EZW-2

Katie R. Bruno

Mark F. Bruno

FemLife Inc.

Debbie Mixon

Hector Vega Art Studio – City Neckties

Hector Vega

Hug Me Joey, LLC

Esther A. Verbovszky

Just Pawsing Together, Inc.

Angie Pavone

Susan Litherland

La Tea Dolly, LTD

Monica Davis,

Sharee Johnson

Harolyn Smith

Lelolai Bakery, LTD dba Lelolai Bakery & Café

Alma Sapia-Alfonzo

Francisco J. Alfonzo

Millas Designs

Pam Millas

Greg Millas

Off the Vine Wine Market and Café

Brandon L. Ford

OrthoHelix Surgical Designs, Inc.

David B. Kay, MD

Richard Allen

Martin Wynkoop

Personal Loading Advantages, LLC

Steven Garfield

Polyflow Corporation

Joseph D. Hensel

Charles W. Grispin

Professional Equine Services, Ltd.

Marie Young

Sensor Development Corporation

Nicholas Smilanich

Sue Evans

Thomas Gilligan

Robert Farling,

John O'Brien

James Watterson

Simcure Life Medical Systems —Motionless Bedpan System

Sandra Stefano

Jeffrey Todia

Sweet Modern Contemporary Furnishings

Marcia Sweet

Kevin Murray

Werdink

Krisstina Hawks

Matthew Sykes

Winky's Java House

Darius and Mary Foster

Wolcraft

Will Limkemann, Owner

“There’s clearly no shortage of ideas or risk-takers in this region,” said Steve Millard, executive director of COSE. “Our challenge is to continue to encourage and nurture entrepreneurs so they can reach their full potential right here in northeast Ohio.”

The payoff for entrepreneurs who entered the challenge goes beyond prizes. In addition to a completed business plan, which is an invaluable tool in running a business, each entrant received feedback from seasoned and knowledgeable judges, access to important business-building assistance and education, and networking opportunities with peers, investors and vendors.

More information about the Northeast Ohio Business Plan Challenge is available at www.neochallenge.com .

About COSE

COSE, the small business arm of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, serves as a one-stop resource for its members by providing: group-purchasing programs that reduce the cost of doing business; education and development programs for small- and mid-sized businesses; advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the business community; a wide range of resources focused on helping firms grow; and economic development partners that can address business concerns.

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