Inventrek Tech Park’s Drive Competition to fuel local business growth
Annual contest will again award $10,000 in seed money to a local entrepreneur
KOKOMO, Ind. (Sept. 29, 2025) – A “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition powered by Inventrek Technology Park, The Drive returns for its fifth year, once again awarding $10,000 in seed money to a local entrepreneur.
For this year’s competition, three finalists will pitch their business plans to a panel of judges in front of an audience on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Ivy Tech’s Hingst Hall. The event will be free and open to the public, and the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance encourages community members to attend.
“Each year, the Drive serves as a unique opportunity to experience the entrepreneurial spirit present in our community and the excitement and progress that will shape our local economy,” said Lori Dukes, president and CEO of the Alliance. “It brings the public together to cheer on and engage with entrepreneurs that are ready to grow their business.”
The Alliance selected the finalists in March from a diverse pool of candidates. The contest is open to those with a startup idea or expansion of an existing business located within Howard County. Expansion could include increasing square footage, adding a product line, and increasing geographical reach.
This year’s finalists are Adrean Lamberg, owner of Brix & Co. Candles; Kayla Sager, owner of HKCB Wholesale; and Ethan Hasting and Mason Kaiser, owners of The Squee Gees.
Lamberg hand-pours candles and wax melts using natural materials that she sells at various community festivals and artisan markets. She plans on expanding her business to wholesale and growing her production capacity.
Inspired by her mission to find high-quality, fashionable outfits for her children, Sager established HKCB Wholesale: a children’s clothing brand that offers outfits made from sustainable and durable fabrics and original designs. She plans to work more with wholesale and increase her stock inventory.
The Squee Gees is a window-cleaning venture that provides clients with the highest level of service, while focusing on honest, transparent relationships. Hasting and Kaiser plan on expanding their operational capacity by adding another crew and vehicle.
Since April, the finalists have met with key Alliance staff to create or refine their concept plans and fine-tune their pitches to the judges. This collaboration equips the finalists with the tools and insights for success and strengthens the foundation for sustainable growth and ultimately long-term prosperity within our community.
“I have watched our finalists put in the work these past few months, and they are driven, creative, and ready to share their business plans,” said Caitlin Sheets, manager of economic development for the Alliance. “No matter the contest’s outcome, they represent Kokomo’s resilience and determination, and they are each building something that will last for years to come.”
For more information about the Drive, please visit greaterkokomo.com/thedrive.
The 2025 event is sponsored by City of Kokomo, Howard County government, Huston Electric, Community First Bank of Indiana, Duke Energy, Foster Technologies, Shearer Printing and Office Solutions, Mid America Beverage Inc., Elsewhen Technology, Clifford Signs, and Ivy Tech Community College.
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About the Inventrek Technology Park
Inventrek Technology Park is a business incubator focused on providing new, entrepreneurial companies access to critical physical assets and business needs that will aid their initial growth. As a Certified Technology Park, Inventrek’s programs strive to influence economic development in Kokomo and Howard County through innovation and entrepreneurship. Inventrek is also home to The Shared Drive, Kokomo’s first co-working space.