Skowhegan business owners compete for a $5,000 prize

SKOWHEGAN — You are hereby cordially invited to the first Main Street Skowhegan Business Lab pitch competition, scheduled for Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m. at the Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship at 181 Water Street in downtown Skowhegan. During the event, five entrepreneurs will pitch their current business or startup idea to a panel of judges for a chance to win $5,000 from sponsor Skowhegan Savings Bank.

The pitch competition is the culmination of our seven-week Business Lab, a program during which our inaugural cohort of current and aspiring entrepreneurs met for three hours every Saturday to learn how to start and grow their businesses. Each week they listened to different guest presenters who spoke on a variety of topics, including:

Business Exploration: Discovering Your Mission, Vision and Values Finance and Accounting Marketing, Customers and Sales Project Management

The cohort includes:

Matthew Quinn – The Cornville Christmas Tree Company, LLC

The Cornville Christmas Tree Company, LLC operates Quinn Tree Farm and is located in Cornville. The company offers customers a pick and cut Christmas tree experience as well as a pre-retail Christmas tree service. Cornville Christmas Tree Company also specializes in additional Christmas greens such as wreaths and are working to expand their agritourism activities.

Joseph Almand – Joe’s Flat Iron Cafe

Joseph would like to create a community-oriented coffee shop in downtown Skowhegan. Their goal is to provide quality coffee and collaborate with today’s food suppliers to offer a wide variety of food options. The business will operate in a relaxing and welcoming space for people to sit, talk, work and build friendships with the community.

Sara Forbus – Food Truck

Sara would like to start a traveling food truck that would have a floating menu as well as some consistent staples. Sara plans to sell her products at sporting events, weddings and festivals, to larger companies with employees who cannot travel for food, and through other opportunities that present themselves.

Heather Hutchins – Rock Bottom Cafe

Currently, Heather has her own salon studio offering esthetics, nails, massage and spray tan services. He would like to start a second business: Rock Bottom Cafe. The cafe will offer quick home-cooked breakfasts and beverage options, including bagels, sandwiches and muffins, and plans for a do-it-yourself mini-bar.

Noah Sixberry – Sixberry Solutions

Sixberry Solutions is a digital marketing agency specializing in search engine optimization, Google My Business profile management and social media management. Its mission is to help companies develop, market and grow in their industry through digital marketing.

For more information about the Business Lab and the pitch competition, visit SkowheganEntrepreneurship.com.

Main Street Skowhegan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on the continued revitalization of historic Skowhegan, Maine. Founded in 2005 by a group of citizens, Main Street is now run by four full-time staff members, a passionate and committed board of directors, and over one hundred volunteers. Our mission is to celebrate Skowhegan’s rich heritage while achieving our brightest future as a thriving economic, cultural and recreational community where residents enjoy a high quality of life.