Support your fellow military-connected entrepreneurs! Join us at the Military Track Pitch Competition at Boise Entrepreneur Week, where 8 of Idaho’s military-connected entrepreneurs will take the stage to present their innovative business ideas. This dynamic session is the culmination of tailored programming and mentorship designed to empower veterans, active-duty service members, guard/reserve members, and military spouses as they launch and grow their businesses in Idaho.
Details
Date: Wednesday, October 2nd 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Location: JUMP Pioneer Room - 6th Floor
Pitch participants
Aaron Stone - Navy - Phytodyne: Phytodyne is a pre-revenue company based in Meridian, Idaho, specializing in AI-powered solutions for home gardening. They design and build products to monitor and maintain plant health, providing customizable and scalable systems for individuals interested in growing fresh produce, whether for personal use or in apartment living. Phytodyne's primary product is the Phytodyne Grow System, which offers a more customizable and automated gardening experience compared to competitors like Gardyn and Aerogarden. Their AI-enhanced management system helps maintain plant health and nutrient levels, making home gardening more accessible and efficient. Phytodyne is on a mission to revolutionize food production by integrating advanced technology to ensure sustainable food security, reduce environmental impacts, and help communities access fresh produce. Their system is particularly aimed at consumers who want to reduce reliance on grocery stores by growing their own food, minimizing costs, and improving the quality of what they consume. If awarded funds, Phytodyne plans to allocate resources towards securing intellectual property protection (patents) and materials for product development and production.
Adam Stewart - Army - Dialzara: Dialzara is a Meridian, Idaho-based company that offers AI-powered phone receptionists for small businesses. Founded just a year ago, the company aims to simplify phone management for businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Dialzara provides AI-driven virtual receptionists that answer calls 24/7, without the need for technical expertise. This service ensures businesses never miss a call, offering a customizable and affordable alternative to live answering services. Dialzara is 90% more affordable than traditional live answering services and provides a consistent, customizable experience, allowing business owners to quickly set up a fully trained AI agent in under 10 minutes. The company plans to reinvest the prize money into product development, enhancing the functionality and customizability of its AI receptionists.
Austin Mauch - Air Force - Lochsa Specialties LLC: Lochsa Specialties LLC is a Boise-based property maintenance company primarily serving property managers and real estate agencies. The business is in its startup phase and has yet to generate revenue. They offer professional property maintenance services aimed at helping property owners maximize their rental property potential by ensuring properties are in excellent condition for tenants. The company differentiates itself by using the Jobber CRM to streamline communication and operations between managers, vendors, and tenants. The founder, a 21-year military veteran transitioning to civilian life, applies the same level of organization, credibility, and professionalism developed during his service to the property maintenance industry. Lochsa Specialties plans to use the funds to support its CRM system and cover insurance costs during the first year of operations, ensuring smooth and organized service delivery.
Brandon Johnson - Air Force - M.E.&I Coaching: M.E.&I Coaching is a Boise-based coaching service that focuses on empowering individuals and entrepreneurs through personalized coaching. The business combines motivation, empowerment, and inspiration to drive personal and professional growth. The company offers tailored coaching programs that address personal development, team dynamics, and onboarding processes. They focus on creating balance, fostering growth, and ensuring client success through customized strategies and a unique blend of support. M.E.&I Coaching aims to enhance its coaching services, specifically supporting military members transitioning into civilian life. The company also seeks to build relationships, gain exposure, and access mentorship to scale its impact within the military community. If awarded funds, the business will use them to further develop its "Thrive in Transition" program, expand its coaching services to reach more military members, and establish partnerships with veteran-focused organizations.
Brian Bayley - Air Force - Silver Ridge Home Inspections: Silver Ridge Home Inspections, based in Boise, Idaho, specializes in indoor air quality testing and home inspections. The business has been operating for 10 years. The company offers comprehensive air quality testing using advanced diagnostic tools, focusing on pollutants like VOCs, mold, and carbon monoxide. They provide detailed reports and recommendations to help clients improve their indoor environments. The business integrates air quality assessments with healthcare, allowing clients to collaborate with doctors to address potential environmental health issues—offering a service that bridges home inspections and health care. If awarded funds, the business plans to invest in advanced inspection tools, training, and community outreach, as well as support veteran initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.
Brian White - Air Force - Alchemist Promo: Alchemist Promo, based in Meridian, Idaho, offers custom apparel and promotional products, specializing in a one-stop shop solution for businesses. Founded two years ago, it caters to small businesses with a customer-centric approach and rapid growth. The company provides custom printing services, including t-shirts, hoodies, business cards, and pens, with no minimum order requirements. Alchemist Promo simplifies the ordering process by accepting all file types and offering fast turnaround times of 2-3 weeks. Unlike most competitors, Alchemist Promo imposes no minimum order requirements and simplifies file submissions by accepting any format. The business is veteran-owned, and its founders are committed to giving back to their community through partnerships with charitable organizations like the Zero Dark Thirty Foundation. If awarded, the company plans to invest in new equipment to increase production efficiency and reduce physical strain, enabling further business growth. They also plan to launch a give-back program to support nonprofit organizations.
Craig Cornwall - Navy - StingerWorx: StingerWorx, based in Boise, Idaho, is a firearm suppressor manufacturer focusing on lightweight, high-end materials and modular designs for hunters and tactical users. The company has been in operation for six years and provides customizable products that enhance the shooting experience. The company is committed to delivering top-quality firearms accessories for both civilians and military contractors. StingerWorx aims to innovate the suppressor industry through lightweight, highly effective designs utilizing cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques. StingerWorx’s suppressors are modular, lightweight, and designed to offer unparalleled customization, making them compatible with third-party adapters. Their designs are also innovative, leveraging additive manufacturing to achieve configurations impossible with traditional methods. If awarded, the funds will be used to purchase a laser engraver to streamline production and enhance customization capabilities for their suppressors.
William Wegener - Marine Corps - Right to Carry Firearms Academy: Right To Carry Firearms Academy is a firearms safety and training company located in Kuna, Idaho. The business, founded by a former Marine and retired police officer, focuses on providing firearms training for individuals who are new to handling firearms or seeking to obtain their Idaho Enhanced Concealed Weapons Permit. The academy offers small group and one-on-one firearms safety courses, including a basic handgun class for new shooters and an 8-hour Idaho Enhanced Concealed Weapons permit course. They are also developing advanced defensive shooting classes and a specialized course for individuals with physical disabilities. Right To Carry Firearms Academy aims to increase class registrations and expand its course offerings while maintaining high-quality, personalized training in a safe and supportive environment. The business plans to use any awarded funds to invest in truck graphics, improve advertising, and seek professional assistance for enhancing the company website to boost class registrations and brand visibility.
