The Yavapai College SBDC congratulates Elaine O’Connor who competed Friday night at the final Moonshot Pioneer Pitch event in Flagstaff, Arizona as part of the 2nd Annual Shoemaker Awards Ceremony hosted by Moonshot at NACET. Ms. O’Connor pitched alongside 6 other Arizona entrepreneurs and took home the grand prize of $10,000 to support her start-up Prescott Bark.
Everything we make is packed by hand in old-fashioned mason jars just the way our grandmothers did. All of our products are HACCP based and lab tested for shelf life stability and safety. Most of our products have won multiple blue ribbons at both our very own Yavapai County Fair and at the Arizona State Fair, and we won the Best Pickles award from Best of the Best two years in a row.
These entrepreneurs have contributed greatly to our area economy, growing their businesses in spite of the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Adapting to change, pivoting quickly, and expanding services are trademarks of small businesses. In line with these unique traits, the Yavapai College SBDC Success Award winners have excelled during an incredibly challenging time. It is a pleasure to highlight their success.
Meet Alexa Alcala, an entrepreneur and wholesome food advocate that recently relocated to the Verde Valley. With a master’s degree in fine arts, Alcala has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years. Her new business Gaia Bowls’ specialty product is the Honey Nut Granola made with gluten free oats, raw peanut butter, and Arizona cat claw honey from Bisbee, Arizona.
Is the ongoing pandemic still hampering your business success despite the federal funding you may have received in 2020? If your business is like many others in Yavapai County, 2020 was a very challenging year, and 2021 may prove just as volatile and uncertain.
Español
Español
English