FROM BIG IDEAS TO BUSINESS GROWTH:

Olive Tree Boutique wins $10,000 in The Drive

Whitnie Mitchell, owner of Olive Tree Boutique in downtown Kokomo, took home the $10,000 grand prize at the 2026 Drive business pitch competition, presented by Inventrek Technology Park.

Mitchell plans to use the winnings to expand her boutique’s custom quilted bag line, purchase equipment to offer in-house embroidery and invest in marketing to attract wholesale clients.

Two other local entrepreneurs competed for the grand prize. Adrean Lamberg, owner of Brix & Co. Candles, pitched plans for a mobile boutique trailer to expand sales at markets and events throughout the year. Claire Cooper, owner of The Elevated Hippie, presented plans to grow the Elevated Hippie Collective, expanding wholesale opportunities and support for local artisans.

About The Drive

An initiative of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, The Drive is an annual business pitch competition designed to help Howard County entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses.

Finalists work with Alliance staff to review financial projections, strengthen business plans and develop their pitches before presenting their growth strategies to a panel of judges at a live, “Shark Tank”-style event.

One finalist receives $10,000 in seed money to put their growth plans into action.

Click here to read more about the 2026 event

How does the Alliance help our finalists grow?

Financials

Finalists and the Alliance staff categorize revenue and expenses, review financial projections, and evaluate customer segments and marketing strategies.

Marketing

Finalists and the Alliance staff analyze current marketing pieces such as social media, website, and printed collateral. The Alliance marketing team then offers advice on how to improve their presence and expand their reach.

Crafting business pitch

Finalists work with the Alliance staff to build their business pitch for the competition by highlighting needs and demonstrating use of the prize money.