The Craft It, Pitch It, Win It competition, offered by the Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family and the Penn State Altoona Sheetz Fellows Program, was held April 10. Finalists presented to a panel of three judges about a business or product and their plans to implement new marketing strategies.
ALTOONA, Pa. — The Craft It, Pitch It, Win It competition, offered by the Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family and the Penn State Altoona Sheetz Fellows Program, was held April 10. Finalists presented to a panel of three judges about a business or product and their plans to implement new marketing strategies.
“Our region is rich with creative entrepreneurs — crafters and makers doing and sharing what they love,” said Jessica Lattanza, director of the Altoona LaunchBox at Penn State Altoona. “These creators are often micro-businesses operating as solopreneurs and are struggling to figure out how to 'do it all.' While never short on passion and perseverance, access to resources and funding can be difficult for crafters and makers.”
A first-place prize of $6,000 was awarded to Kustom King Traditional Archery LLC. Ned Miller and his family create artisanal archery items from meticulously handcrafted bows to bespoke DIY kits and an array of archery supplies. "We were honored to be selected as the winners of the competition,” says Miller. “We had such a great time as a family listening to the other presentations and learning more about the local craft businesses. Our biggest takeaway was the fact that our local area has some amazing craftsmen and artists.”
Tyler Hunter of Timber Bear Woodworks LLC took home second place and $3,000. Timber Bear Woodworks offers modernized woodworking services and premium hardwoods, kiln drying, salvaged lumber, and more for the weekend DIY to the professional carpenter and tradesman, all with a focus on sustainability.
Third place winners, Mambo Partners LLC dba The Spice Sisters, who create globally inspired and locally crafted chutneys and condiments, took home a $1,000 prize.
“Our panel of judges was very impressed with both the concepts and passion heard during the Craft It, Pitch It, Win It competition. The Altoona LaunchBox is thrilled to help these creative entrepreneurs grow their business, audience, and revenue,” says Lattanza.
This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.
