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.
Those who competed filled out an entry form by May 1, 2024. The application can be found below. 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.
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 this year 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 Lori Dukes at ldukes@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., is the winner of the 2024 Drive Competition. He plans to use his $10,000 to purchase new equipment, run a booth at trade shows, and increase his marketing to boost his sales.
Call 765-457-2000 or click here to learn what space is currently available.
2025 Drive Competition Entry Form
Competition rules
- The Drive 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, increasing geographical reach.
- Winner(s) must launch or expand the business within 6 months of competition date.
- Existing businesses must have fewer than 100 employees.
- Existing business entries must be full-time operations with a primary office in Howard County.
- All applications will be reviewed, and all applicants will be contacted.
- Experienced business advisors from the ISBDC (Indiana Small Business Development Center) will be available to help with application and/or The Drive presentation.
- The $10,000 prize money will be awarded to one finalist at the judges’ discretion and will be distributed to the winner upon set criteria.
- All entries will be reviewed and finalists will be chosen based on feasibility, presentation, positive community impact and potential job creation.
- Finalists will be judged on presentation criteria and responses to judges’ questions. Deadline for entering the 2025 competition/completing the online application is Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
Our 2024 Finalists
Crystina Diaz, Kingdom Kids Learning Center
Crystina Diaz is the owner of the Kingdom Kids Learning Center. She was motivated to give her children and children everywhere a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. She has worked in childcare for over seven years and has an associate degree in Science in Elementary Education. Kingdom Kids Learning Center has no waitlist and accepts all children from ages three to five in Kokomo. She hopes to expand her capacity to welcome more children into her daycare in the future.
Luke Talley, Backwoods Trading Company
Luke Talley is the owner of Backwoods Trading Company. He specializes in custom leather design products such as patches for hats. He has an MBA and works full time in a major career, but he took what was once his hobby into a full business. Backwoods Trading Company is based out of Talley’s garage and only has a few employees. He hopes to expand his business in the future into a permanent brick-and-mortar building and elevate his marketing and promotions.
Thank you to the sponsors of the 2024 Drive Competition!
