Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, is proud to announce the Cycle 2 Concept and Early Seed winners from the historic Tuskegee pitch competition event.
Earning the $50,000 award for Concept Stage was Scottsboro-based Kenzie’s Creations. McKenzie Wilbanks is a high school senior who started her custom and original jewelry business as a sophomore. She sells her jewelry online and wholesale to retailers nationwide, and she has been supported by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce during the entire competitive process. As a testament to her drive, her workday ends at 4am each day making jewelry, after school and homework. She plans on going into her business full-time after she graduates.
According to the Mountain Lakes Chamber President/CEO, Rick Roden, “We see a bright future for Jackson County, Alabama and strive to be the consistent voice of progress in our hometown business community.” The Chamber’s voice of progress is demonstrated in a variety of ways to include full support of the entrepreneurial eco system that has been developing more rapidly in recent months.
“Local business doesn’t mean what it used to. But what remains the same is our commitment to supporting local business owners to reach their full potential,” says Sarah Stahl, Director of Communications for the Mountain Lakes Chamber. McKenzie’s’ natural business abilities were recognized late 2018 and the Chamber team never doubted for a moment that she didn’t have the capabilities to win the Tuskegee pitch competition round.
“Having this competition take place at Tuskegee University, where George Washington Carver became Alabama’s most prodigious innovator and inventor was inspirational. Alabama Launchpad is committed to cultivating Alabama’s future economy through its most innovative and talented startups, and we’re excited to see where Quantalytix and Kenzie’s Creations go from here,” said Steve Spencer, President of the EDPA.
If you are a local entrepreneur looking for more support in any stage of business please feel free to reach out to The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, or learn about how to become involved at www.mountainlakeschamber.org.
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