Applications have closed and Alliance staff is in the process of selecting finalists!
The Drive is a Shark Tank-style business pitch competition presented by Inventrek Technology Park. Finalists will pitch their business idea to a panel of judges in front of an audience in an effort to win the $10,000 prize. The event will be open to the public, and there’s no cost to attend.
As an initiative of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, 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. Businesses with 100 or fewer employees are eligible to participate.
Through a review process, the Alliance w to select finalists. Finalists will go on to work with Alliance staff to create a solid business plan and perfect their pitch. The 2025 competition is set for Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 from 6:00- 8:30 p.m.
At the inaugural competition in 2019, judges awarded a total of $10,000 to three pitches, including software development, a solar power storage solution and a door-locking system for schools. In 2023, the judges selected Margaret Johnson, owner of the Wellness Garden, as the sole winner of the $10,000 prize. The Wellness Garden offers a customized approach to finding out where your body needs support and offers steps to meet those needs naturally. “We focus on nutrition, detoxification, gut, sleep and stress support,” said Johnson. “In-office testing gives us immediate results!” Johnson plans to use the money to hire and train staff to offer a broader reach of her services.
“We had four great finalists in 2023,” said Lori Dukes, President and CEO of the Greater Kokomo Alliance. “Our winner in 2023, Margaret, was a contestant in our 2022 competition. Her win last year is a great example of the perseverance it takes to make a small business successful. She also took advantage of the resources and tools available to her through this competition to continue her momentum and grow her opportunities.” Dukes encourages local entrepreneurs and business owners to apply for next year’s contest.
The $10,000 grand prize for 2024 was granted to Luke Talley of Back Woods Trading Company, a business specializing in crafting real leather patches to be sewn on hats and bands for candles and jars. His company allows him to create custom patches for businesses featuring their logo while also manufacturing products with the company’s brand to be sold in trade shows, conventions, and on his website, thus making it a flexible business that can adapt to various needs. The grant money will go towards a new industrial sewing machine, booth spaces for 2024 Indy Christmas Expo and 2025 Deer, Turkey, and Waterfowl Expo, social media marketing, and website SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
New in 2024 was the addition of a new grant: the CTP Jumpstart. This Certified Technology Park grant issues The Drive competition runner-up a $2,500 prize that will go toward fulfilling the business’ needs. The inaugural recipient of the CTP Jumpstart is Crystina Diaz of The Kingdom Kids Learning Center.
If you have questions on application or want to become a Drive sponsor, contact Caitlin Sheets at csheets@greaterkokomo.com.
The Drive is an initiative of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance.
Our 2024 Winner
Luke Talley, CEO and founder of Back Woods Trading Co., was the winner of the 2024 Drive Competition. The $10,000 grand prize helped him purchase new equipment, run a booth at trade shows, and increase his marketing to boost his sales.
Since winning The Drive, Talley has opened a brick-and-mortar shop in downtown Kokomo, engaged in community events such as First Fridays and Strawberry Festival, and joined the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce. He was also featured on a front page article in the Kokomo Tribune’s Weekend Edition, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. Check it out here.
Our 2025 Finalists
Brix & Co.
Brix & Co. specializes in homemade candles and wax melts that are made with environmentally friendly ingredients. Its candles and wax melts are created with non-toxic soy wax and fragrances free of harmful chemicals. Brix & Co. has also served as a vendor for local and regional events.
Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique
Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique specializes in clothes for infants, toddlers, and younger children in a wide array of playful patterns. What makes the shop unique is that all the designs featured on the clothes are designed in-house and made exclusively for Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique. The shop also makes appearances at community festivals and events throughout the year.
The Squee Gees
The Squee Gees specializes in window cleaning, pressure washing, solar panel cleaning, and gutter maintenance for businesses and homes alike. The company’s determination and attention to detail enables them to provide high-quality service and establish meaningful connections with clients. The Squee Gees have also served in various community events and organizations.
Thank you to the sponsors of the 2025 Drive Competition!
