theCO, Ford Philanthropy, and Epicenter Announce Winners For ScaleUp Kitchen
Jackson, Tenn (August 27, 2024)- As ScaleUp Kitchen participants are nearing the end of the program, 20 participants pitched their ideas to a panel of judges, with five food entrepreneurs winning prizes ranging from $20,000 to $6,000. The first place winner is Skillet Junction located in Downtown Jackson, Tennessee.
"From over 50 applications, we selected 20 entrepreneurs to participate in the ScaleUp Kitchen program. We've developed a curriculum designed to improve their operational efficiency, boost sales, and maximize profits,” Lisa Brown, facilitator of ScaleUp and food entrepreneur, said. “Over the past four months, with guidance from industry professionals, we've invested numerous hours in coaching and consulting these entrepreneurs. Now, they’re ready to take their businesses to the next level. We’re eager to see new restaurant openings and expansions in the coming months!"
Out of 20 total participants, the winners are as follows:
First place: Skillet Junction, Jackson, Tenn.
Second place: Good Fortune, Memphis, Tenn.
Third place: Littlebird Bar & Restaurant, Jackson, Tenn.
Third Place: Riko’s Kickin Chicken, Memphis, Tenn.
Third Place: The Cellar Restaurant & Prohibition Bar, Covington, Tenn.
ScaleUp was designed for food-based businesses aiming to scale and prepare for regional procurement opportunities in Haywood, Madison, Shelby, and Tipton counties with support from Ford Philanthropy and hosted by Epicenter and theCO. ScaleUp Kitchen’s programming helped entrepreneurs with branding, communications, planning, and strategy. The goal of ScaleUp was to empower food entrepreneurs for regional success. The free program provided a 3-day accelerator, one-to-one consulting, a food showcase and a pitch competition with substantial prizes ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 for up to five recipients.
Throughout the month of August, ScaleUp participants showcased their food and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. Each pitch event had a 5 person judging panel, composed of two representatives from the Ford Motor Company with experience in food entrepreneurship and purchasing, as well as local commercial lenders. The participants were judged on eight criteria: problem or need, solution, industry/market analysis, target audience, business model, traction, scalability/feasibility, and investment attractiveness.
“Through both the showcase events and pitches it was amazing to hear the ScaleUp participants clearly communicate the investment they need to scale. We surely do not have a shortage of talented entrepreneurs in West Tennessee and we're so thankful for the Ford Philanthropy for providing these resources to help get these businesses to the next level of growth,” Lisa Garner, CEO of theCO said.
