From a program to boost SAT scores to a way to keep swimming pools clean with less chlorine, 10 entrepreneurs had the chance to lay out their dream to a panel of judges.
The No Boundaries pitch competition awarded $20,000 to the winners and added a surprise for the youngest competitor.
One of the goals of the event was to show how businesses can thrive on both sides of the Savannah River. It was a goal that resonated with Jim Tunison, President and CEO of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.
“The Aiken Chamber exists to be a catalyst for business growth, a convener for leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. And this event checks all those boxes,” he told ABD. “I really keep going back to this core belief that the Aiken Augusta region is moving towards this innovation-driven economy. We’ve really just needed that spark to ignite those conversations and move us in that direction. And I think this contest, this day, really does that.”
No Boundaries drew applications from nearly 60 hopefuls seeking to be chosen as a finalist. One person notified that they had been selected was Henry Herrin of Jackson, SC.
“So shocked. I honestly thought it was a contest from a university, and I might just win a little bit of money. And I was totally mistaken,” he said. “All of a sudden, I was being told I need to get ready to be on stage. I’m extremely blessed. It’s been nothing but a blessing from start to end.”
His business, Innit2winniTgaming, LLC, is a gaming company that combines arcade entertainment with an education in cryptocurrency. Targeting Gen Z, it offers a blend of fun and real-world gaming skills.
Although Herrin was not one of the four winners, Tunison said going through the process can be invaluable.
“You never know who you’re going to meet through the process, but it’s a really good vetting process to go through,” he said. “The judges, the people who give you feedback, it is really, really helpful and could be valuable for helping you vet your idea and think about different things that you might not have thought about before.”
The winners were:
The $10,000 First Place award went to S.C.H.O.O.L.S., which provides classes to boost SAT and ACT scores.
The Second-Place prize of $3,000 went to Pool Protection Technologies, a chemical-free device that floats in swimming pools to maintain clean water and reduce how much chlorine is needed.
Third Place, and the $2,000 prize, went to CraftedCV, which helps job hopefuls tailor their resume.
There was also a $5,000 prize for the top South Carolina company from the South Carolina Research Authority. It went to Green Cape Health, a platform that allows patients to record their symptoms and disease activity between visits with their care providers.
Due to the high number of applications, No Boundaries added a Showcase, allowing business owners to highlight their companies to judges and audience members.
One of those was MM Creations, owned by 14-year-old Maycie Moore, which designs and sells graphic t-shirts.
“Teens love graphic shirts. Most of them are either too expensive or not appropriate. Mine are affordable, trendy, and parents love a positive message,” she explained in her presentation.
Moore was surprised with a special award, a check for $500 to encourage her to continue her work.
No Boundaries was sponsored by theClubhou.se, with support from Wells Fargo. Eric Parker, one of the founders of theClubhou.se, said this event wasn’t a one-off.
“We discussed dates for next year, as well as a series of events throughout the year to carry the momentum, including more partnered startup workshops, investment dinners, and more,” he announced. “I expect more announcements in May or June.”
In addition to Wells Fargo as the grand sponsors, the event was also supported by:
Investment Partners
- Aiken Chamber of Commerce
- South Carolina Research Authority
- PD Newsom Private Capital, LLC
VIP Sponsor
- Meta
Event Partners
- Make Startups
- VentureSouth
- Western SC
- Augusta Business Daily
