Innovation and community spirit were on full display as nine local entrepreneurs competed in the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition at Marion Technical College. The live “Shark Tank”-style event awarded $2,500 in prize money to help one standout business take its next big step.
Forge Participants included:
- *K.B. Riley Books – Kimberly Bryant; plan to expand her brand for her “Chronicles of Fate” young adult book series
- *Dalton Creek Farms LLC – Erin and Mike Galyk; a hydroponic microfarm providing fresh microgreens to area restaurants
- *The Scent Bar & Co. – Whitney Jones-Stone; a company to provide custom scents for high-end weddings;
- *Mythic Grain – Jacob Redmond, a custom creator of wood products for tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons;
- *Here Today, LLC – Jackie Sanders and Hannah Conn – a discount retailer at the Marion Centre Mall selling affordable, quality scrubs; clothing and formal wear.
Judges Weighed in
Judges Austin Sullivan, Kevin Smith and Misty Hayden reviewed the competitors’ business plans and judged it on multiple qualities including potential job creation. The finalists were chosen from a group of 17 students who completed the Forge businesses classes at Marion Technical College, which were free thanks to presenting sponsor Alluvial Private Wealth.
Local Sponsors Invest in The Forge
The Forge Competition was made possible through the support of Alluvial Private Wealth, as well as Steve and Brenda Johnston and Gary and Mary Ann Ferriman.
Prior Forge competitor Joel Thorpe provided the trophies and plaques.
Dalton Farms Lands $2,500 Top Prize
Erin and Mike Galyk took home the top prize of $2,500, impressing judges with their plan to grow microgreens hydroponically to serve fresh produce to local restaurants.
“It is a real honor to have won this competition after going up against so many great companies. I’m excited to be starting this business in Marion, Ohio, and one day soon, we hope to have Dalton Creek Farms located in Downtown Marion,” Mike Galyk said. “The downtown area is experiencing a rebirth, and I hope our business can be part of that growth. We also look forward to selling our crops to surrounding communities and bringing dollars back into Marion’s economy.”
Top Winners in Fierce Forge Competition
Kyle Jackson with Campaign Boost came in second. Jackie Sanders and Hannah Conn with retail store “Here Today” came in third.
All competitors received at least $1,000 and a free year-long membership at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. They also received a free business checking account from First Citizens National Bank.
Many spoke of this as a positive experience with the free business classes providing knowledge and opportunities worth more than the prize money.
“I love the Forge! It made such a difference,” Sanders said. “We both got a ton of information. I’ve met great people. I would recommend it 100%.”
Shopping Small Has Huge Local Impact
Sponsor and founding member of the Forge, Lars Olson, pointed out that when residents shop at local business, about 68 cents of each dollar remains in the community. That drops to about 30 cents for a national retailer or nearly zero for an online retailer, according to economic studies. Similarly, local restaurants keep 64 cents of each dollar in the community, compared with 30 cents at a national chain restaurant.
Sign of Marion’s Strength
Attendee Diane Watson came to support her friends who were competing, but she found much more.
“I was amazed by the tough competitors. It’s exciting to see so many strong entrepreneurs working to start or grow local businesses,” Watson said. “Hope really is Marion’s economy. It’s what makes us strong.”
Past Forge Winners and Graduates
Kids and Families Find Fun at the Explore-It-Torium | MarionMade
Local Inventor and Entrepreneur Works to Develop Affordable Solar Power Solutions | MarionMade
Marion Man Takes National Stage in Clean Energy | MarionMade
Busy B Cleaning Focuses on Exceptional Service | MarionMade
Local Women Help Travelers See the World | MarionMade
Jessica Coleman leaving a legacy in Marion | MarionMade
Family Business Expands With Belenos Creations | MarionMade
Yellow Finch Expands to Add Event Space with The Nest | MarionMade
MaxAiir: Where Fun meets Family in Downtown Marion | MarionMade
Local Woman Cultivates New Life at Frontier Farm Flowers | MarionMade
Past Competition Highlights
The Forge | MarionMade (2019 Competition)
Local Entrepreneurs Awarded $7,500 in Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition | MarionMade (2024)
Local Entrepreneurs Win $8,000 in Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition | MarionMade (2023)
The Forge Sparks Local Businesses in Competition | MarionMade (2022)
The Forge Helps Small Businesses in Its Fifth Year | MarionMade (2021)
Full list of winners and more details about the classes and competition are available from Marion Technical College.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
