Nine entrepreneurs competed for thousands of dollars in prizes at the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition on Oct. 8. Six winners won prize money to start or grow their businesses, thanks to three generous local sponsors: Alluvial Private Wealth; Gary Ferriman, owner of Showplace Rent-to-Own; and Steve and Brenda Johnston.
In addition, all finalists received free business checking accounts from First Citizens National Bank and a free one-year membership at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The Forge has promoted small businesses for seven years. I’ve never seen a stronger group of participants,” said Lars Olson, founder of Alluvial Private Wealth. “When you shop at local businesses, 68% of your money stays in the community to help it grow.”
Competitors
Twenty entrepreneurs took the free Forge business classes sponsored by Alluvial at Marion Technical College.
The finalists who competed included:
- -Martin and Gianna Alves, Alves Landscape
- -Chris DePuy, MaxAiir Holiday Lighting
- -Joy Edington, KeyTones & Cake
- -Alethea Ford, Pitter Patter Paws Pet Boutique
- -Beth Fox, Foxglove Hollow Home Decor
- -Ethan Glezen, Envy Photo Co.
- -Elizabeth Lee, Frontier Farm
- -Justin and Maeghan Malone, Belenos Creations
- -Cat Prince, Scream and Sugar Horror Beverage Shop
Forge Judges
The judges included:
- -Misty Hayden, vice president of business development with First Citizens National Bank
- -Kevin Smith, retired regional president of First Citizens
- -Austin Sullivan, owner of several businesses including BuyTruckWheels.com and Galena Farms
Criteria
The judges scored the competitors on their presentations and business plans based on:
- -innovation
- -originality
- -value creation
- -feasibility
- -community impact
Forge Winners
Father-and-daughter team Maeghan and Justin Malone won first place and a $2,500 prize. Their company, Belenos Creations, makes 3-D printed items as well as T-shirts, mugs and other items. They sell online on TikTok as well as at local events. A new storefront at 141 E. Center Street opened on Oct. 12.
“I can’t believe we won!” exclaimed 18-year-old Maeghan Malone. “A huge thank you to my Madre, Ana, for supporting us the whole way through. You truly have done a lot for us and are a major inspiration. Also, a big thank you to [instructor] Greg Timberlake, [organizer] Mike Augenstein, Lars Olson and Julie Welch for this class. I have learned so much and made new connections. The Forge has helped us tremendously!”
2nd-6th Place Winners
The next five top scorers took home $1,000 each. Joy Edington with KeyTones and Cake scored second place for her USDA-certified home bakery making cheesecakes, cakes and cookies. Edington specializes in goods that are gluten-free, high in protein and low in carbs, sugar and sodium. These decadent treats are friendly for those on a keto diet or managing diabetes or celiac disease.
Elizabeth Lee with Frontier Farm in Waldo won third place for her plan to expand her vegetable and flower business to add a subscription for weekly fresh flowers.
“I’ve owned my business for 10 years but the Forge really helped me learn and refine my business plan,” Lee said.
Beth Fox with the new Foxglove Hollow Home Decor at 285 W. Center Street landed fourth place.
“Downtown businesses are growing and thriving. We are excited to be a part of it. We are all better together,” Fox said.
Alethea Ford with Pitter Patter Paws Pet Boutique was awarded fifth place for her business soon to open at 143 E. Center St. featuring DIY pet bathing, grooming and homemade dog treats. Father-and-daughter team
Martin and Gianna Alves landed sixth place with Alves Landscape.
Local Supporters of The Forge
Emerald Custom Woodcraft donated the trophies for the winners. The Board Bee and Yellow Finch Creations provided charcuterie.
History of The Forge
Since 2017, dozens of MarionMade! businesses and nonprofits have participated in the Forge. These businesses have added more than 100 new jobs. They include:
- -Ability Vending
- -Attaboys
- -Birch Tree Bookery
- -Busy B Cleaning
- -C.L. Gregory Music Academy
- -The Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum
- -Jordan Energy Alternative
- -Marion Voices
- -Painless Fleet Maintenance (PFM)
- -Presidential Cleaning Services
- -Sights Unseen Travel
- -The Sweada Mae Art Cafe
- -Spruce and Sparrow Boutique
These businesses have added more than 100 new local jobs due to their hard work and drive. The Forge is proud to play a small part in helping them hone their business plans.
Additional Information and Articles on Past Forge Events:
The Forge info: https://www.mtc.edu/the-forge/index.html
2023 Winners: Local Entrepreneurs Win $8,000 in Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition | MarionMade
2022 Winners: The Forge Sparks Local Businesses in Competition | MarionMade
The Forge Enters Fifth Year of Sparking Small Businesses | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
