ENID, OK - The Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition (CSBMC) 2024, hosted by Autry Technology Center, has concluded with resounding success, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas of local businesses. The competition, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small business growth, saw participants from diverse industries vying for top honors.
After rigorous evaluation by a panel of judges, Gonzales Therapy Services emerged as the deserving recipient of the first-place award. Owned by Morgan Gonzales, Gonzales Therapy Services impressed the judges with its innovative approach and strategic business model. As the first-place winner, Gonzales Therapy Services will be awarded a grand prize of $10,000, a testament to their dedication and ingenuity in the field of therapy services.
In second place, Kingdom Candy, owned by Scott and Amy Allen, claimed the spotlight with their unique concept and dedication to quality. Their commitment to excellence in confectionery craftsmanship earned them the admiration of both the judges and the audience. Kingdom Candy will receive a prize of $5,000 as recognition of their outstanding performance in the competition.
Coffee Inclination, owned by Brooklyn Boehs, secured the third-place position with its captivating blend of coffee culture and community engagement. Brooklyn's passion for coffee and commitment to service resonated with the judges, earning Coffee Inclination a prize of $2,500.
Fourth place in the competition was awarded to Foster Carpentry and Creations LLC, owned by Sarah Foster. Sarah's skillful craftsmanship and innovative designs showcased the potential for creativity within the carpentry industry. Foster Carpentry and Creations LLC will receive a prize of $1,000 in recognition of its entrepreneurial endeavors.
The top three winners also receive one year of coworking space at the Strate Center. Coworking space includes access to the James W. Strate Center for Business Development during business hours to use the shared workspace, privacy booths, podcast room, conference room, copier, printer and plan room.
"The Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of our local entrepreneurs,” said Autry Tech Small Business Specialist Meredith Westfahl. “It's inspiring to see individuals and teams from our community come together to pursue their dreams and bring innovative business ideas to life. This competition not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters a supportive ecosystem for small business growth and development."
The Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and business acumen. Through their participation, contestants demonstrated the vitality and potential of small businesses in driving economic growth and innovation within the community.
To be eligible for the competition, businesses had to be less than five years old. The competition consisted of three phases: submission of a business plan, a 15-minute oral presentation, and a final presentation in front of a judging panel accompanied by a two-minute commercial. Judges were a diverse group of professionals with experience based in academics, investment, financial institutions, entrepreneurship and business. Funding for the competition is provided in combined effort from area businesses who sponsor entrepreneurship activities through Startup Enid, a collaboration between NWOSU, NOC, ERDA and Autry Tech. The 2024 Startup Enid sponsors include Allen Family Charitable Foundation, Stride Bank, Enid Regional Development Alliance, Encompass FSI. Enid Chamber of Commerce, Merrifield Office Supply, Junior Welfare League of Enid and Napoli’s Italian Restaurant. To learn more about Startup Enid, contact Tambi Brown at tbrown@autrytech.edu.
Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry Tech serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Workforce Development Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.
