Published June 02, 2023
Three startup companies received crucial seed funding to propel their ventures during the recent IMPACT 307 Southeast Wyoming Innovation Launchpad Pitch Night at Laramie County Community College (LCCC).
The event featured four finalists, each presenting their unique business concepts and demonstrating their potential for success.
IMPACT 307 is a startup business development program of the University of Wyoming, administered through UW’s Research and Economic Development Division.
The winning finalists were:
— Earthside Birth & Wellness Center, represented by Sarah Morey and Allison Hayek, is dedicated to providing a holistic, comprehensive and free-standing birth and wellness center with services for southeast Wyoming.
— EdgeFlyte, led by Tate Schrock, is on the cutting edge of high-altitude research equipment, with plans to offer high-performance and quality components to hobbyists, enthusiasts and academics.
— MCCares has an ambitious initiative to address community care needs. The team, consisting of Aram Malijanian, Benjamin Wilkin, Jared Clapper and Clayton Auzqui, aims to provide monitoring technology that merges Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance and data analytics to improve the care of those who are not always able to speak for themselves.
The other finalist was Project SignStand, represented by Samuel Ballard, which offers a front-mounted aerial work platform to help state and local public works departments maintain street signs.
“This event served as a great opportunity to highlight the entrepreneurial activity thriving in Laramie County,” says Derrek Jerred, senior director of IMPACT 307. “We extend our gratitude to Minden Fox (LCCC marketing and entrepreneurship instructor) and everyone involved in making this event possible.”
Judges for the event were Betsey Hale, CEO of Cheyenne LEADS; Rocky Case, center director of UW’s Manufacturing Works; and Dennis Ellis, Microsoft TechSpark manager.
Others who supported the event included the Wyoming Innovation Partnership; West Edge Collective; Wyoming Bank & Trust; LCCC accounting instructor Kristi Bassett; and Dallas Lain, senior counsel with the Crowley Fleck law firm.
IMPACT 307’s Southeast Wyoming Innovation Launchpad empowers entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship and funding opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and a vibrant ecosystem, IMPACT 307 aims to catalyze economic growth and innovation in southeast Wyoming. To learn more, visit www.impact307.org.