Three winners of $15,000 local small business pitch competition announced
December 19, 2022
Tioga, ND, December 19, 2022 - In partnership with the Tioga Economic Development Corporation, The Bank of Tioga awarded $15,000 to three local businesses on Thursday, November 10 as part of the REV pitch competition, which helps local business owners to ignite their business. This event alternates being hosted in Tioga and Crosby each year, with this year being held at the Divide County Courthouse in Crosby.
The Bank of Tioga hosts REV, a small business pitch competition, in an effort to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. This year 18 applications were received and narrowed to the top five businesses to pitch which included JTH Portables, Mother Goose Boutique, Solid Ice Embroidery, Surge Aesthetics and The Plant Place.
This year’s winners included JTH Portables at $6,000, Solid Ice Embroidery at $5,000 and The Plant Place at $4,000. Judges included Savanna Hendrickson, President and Wendy Lenzen, VP of Business and Consumer Banking of The Bank of Tioga along with KayCee Lindsey with Divide County Economic Development and Dennis Lindahl with Tioga Economic Development.
JTH Portables, a local portable toilet business serving the surrounding area, took home the grand prize of $6,000 to put toward the cost of constructing a customized large, portable to better serve their oilfield clientele.
“The REV program has allowed me to invest in upgrading some of JTH Portables mobile toilets. By receiving this grant, we are able to provide another upgraded, handmade, heated unit to our customers. We are very grateful for all the support from our local bank,” said owner Tanya Hill.
Pictured above: JTH Portables, The Bank of Tioga REV Winner
Solid Ice Embroidery, a local, start-up embroidery, sublimation and vinyl business also serving surrounding area was awarded $5,000 to help purchase a commercial embroidery machine. This will allow the owner to mass produce items, as well as embroidery all different types of materials.
“Thanks to the Bank of Tioga and the REV program, I am much closer to expanding my small business to better serve the needs of Tioga and the surrounding area. The most helpful part of this process was that the program requirements enabled me to dig deeper and analyze all the ways I can grow my business to ensure it will be successful,” said owner Shelia Boyett.
She continued, “Currently my business is run from my home, but I look forward to the day when the volume and demands require a store front in Tioga. Thankfully, the money received from the REV program is being utilized towards the purchase of an embroidery machine which will enable custom embroidery on hats, jackets, shirts and more. This money is integral to the growth of my business. Thanks to the Bank of Tioga and the REV program, I am closer to making my small business a huge success."
Pictured Above: Solid Ice Embroidery, The Bank of Tioga REV Winner
The Plant Place is a greenhouse serving the surrounding area, was awarded $4,000 to purchase new planting tables to replace the worn tables that have been there for decades, promoting a safer and more appealing space for their clients.
The Plant Place, The Bank of Tioga REV Winner
“We look forward to hosting the REV event every year and partnering with other organizations in both Tioga and Crosby to make this event possible. Additionally, the volume of applicants truly impressed us this year. Supporting small businesses in and around our communities and helping create community prosperity, makes this event so exciting and rewarding year after year,” said The Bank of Tioga President, Savanna Hendrickson.
About The Bank of Tioga: At The Bank of Tioga, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. The Bank of Tioga was chartered in 1951 and was acquired by TS Contrarian Bancshares Inc., an affiliate of TS Banking Group in 2014. With $350 million in assets, The Bank of Tioga is committed to supporting local organizations and reinvests a portion of its net income back to the community. Branch locations include Tioga and Crosby, North Dakota. For more information visit thebankoftioga.com.