Next Set of Finalists from Start Peninsula Micro Pitch Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dan Girouard

September 15, 2022 757-727-6237; dgirouard@hampton.gov

Last night, the second set of finalists for the 2022 Start Peninsula was announced following an online Micro Pitch Competition. The finalists were Aunt Carol’s Sauce, Dollars X Sense, and SmartCrane. In total, eight pitchers participated. To watch a recap of the Micro Pitch # 2 event you can visit the Start Peninsula YouTube Channel.

Aunt Carol’s Sauce is delicious with meats, vegetables, and especially seafood. Founder, Tahjere Lewis promised his Aunt Carol that he would turn her sauce into a business after he graduated from college. She sadly passed during his freshman year of college unexpectedly. Since then, he has been working to turn that promise into a reality.
Dollars X Sense teaches financial literacy and financial empowerment to the youth. They provide a fun and engaging experience where kids get to use movie money to learn how to build healthy money habits.
SmartCrane delivers anti-sway crane control solutions based upon patented mathematical solutions for any crane type, anywhere.

Each finalist will receive a $500 prize and the chance to participate in the Thursday, November 10^th Main Pitch Event, where they will have an opportunity to win $5,000 to support their business growth and continuing access to local resources. If you want to pitch your business idea, register to attend our Pitch Perfect event to be held on September 29^thand learn how to make a winning pitch.

The next Start Peninsula Micro Pitch #3 Competition will be held on Wednesday, October 12^th. Early-stage businesses are invited to apply to participate. The main pitch event will feature last night’s winners as well as the three companies that are already qualified to participate: ChxmpionChip, Edenic Energy, and NerdFlex

Judges for the third Micro Pitch Competition included:

Eileen Brewer, Director of Mentorship at 757 Collab
Erica McMannes, Founder and Chief People & Community Officer Instant Teams
Carlton Campbell, Senior Director of Engineering at Elevance Health

Start Peninsula 2022 is hosted by the City of Hampton in partnership with the Cities of Newport News, Williamsburg and Poquoson and the Counties of James City and York. Start Peninsula has been held annually in different Peninsula localities since 2012. For more information about Start Peninsula, please visit its website, Facebook page or the FAQ page.