The Drive returns to support entrepreneurs
The finalists have officially been selected for the 2026 Drive Competition, a “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition presented by Inventrek Technology Park and designed to help local entrepreneurs take the next step in growing their businesses.
An initiative of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, The Drive gives startups and existing small businesses in Howard County the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 grand prize in seed funding. Finalists will spend the next several months working with Alliance staff to strengthen their business plans and refine their presentations before pitching live to a panel of judges and community audience on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo’s Hingst Hall.
We’d love for you to join us and cheer on these local small business owners! And, this event is more than a competition. It’s a chance to support local startups and small businesses, see what’s next for Kokomo’s business community and experience the energy of live pitches and real-time judging.
Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or community supporter, The Drive is a front-row seat to innovation happening right here in Howard County. Set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15, attendance and participation is free. Click here to learn more about attending the event
The 2026 competition features entrepreneurs from a variety of industries, each focused on expanding their impact through new products, services, partnerships, and innovative business models. Meet this year’s finalists below.
Meet the 2026 Drive Finalists
Brix & Co. Candles
Becoming a parent shifted owner and founder Adrean Lamberg’s perspective about the ingredients in everyday products like candles and cosmetics. This led her to launch Brix & Co. Candles, a handcrafted candle brand inspired by clean living, self-care, and creating cozy spaces.
Lamberg hand-pours candles and wax melts using natural materials, allowing her to combine creativity with her passion for providing clean, non-toxic alternatives to everyday household products. She shares her products with the community through events such as the Samaritan Caregiver’s Chocolate Celebration, One Church’s Jingle Mingle Market, IU Kokomo’s Fall Festival, and the Kokomo Farmers Market.
As a returning Drive finalist, Lamberg is looking toward the next stage of growth. Her goal is to purchase and build out a mobile boutique trailer that will allow her to take Brix & Co. Candles to markets and events year-round while providing a climate-controlled space to safely transport and sell her products.
Olive Tree Boutique
Owned by Whitnie Mitchell, Olive Tree Boutique was founded in 2022 after Mitchell became a mother and recognized a need for modest, fashionable clothing that helps women feel confident and comfortable in every season of life. Inspired by faith, family, and community, she created a boutique centered on connection, encouragement, and Christ-centered style.
Located in downtown Kokomo, Olive Tree Boutique offers hand-picked clothing and accessories designed to help women feel beautiful whether they are raising families, running errands, or gathering with friends. In addition to operating a storefront and online shop, Mitchell is active in the local community and passionate about creating a welcoming space rooted in faith and authenticity.
Mitchell applied for the Driving competition to expand the boutique’s offerings through custom embroidery and permanent jewelry services, helping create new revenue streams while supporting long-term sustainability and future wholesale opportunities for the business.
The Elevated Hippie
Founded in Kokomo, The Elevated Hippie was created as a boutique rooted in community, creativity, and conscious commerce. Focused on celebrating individuality and supporting local artistry, the business has built a loyal customer base through ethically sourced, small-batch products and meaningful customer connections.
Through its next phase, the Elevated Hippie Collective, the business aims to expand opportunities for local makers by creating a collaborative retail and wholesale model under a unified brand. By partnering with artisans across Howard County and surrounding communities, the Collective provides branding, marketing, retail placement, and distribution support to help small businesses grow sustainably.
As a finalist in the Drive competition, The Elevated Hippie plans to use the opportunity to expand private-label product lines, strengthen wholesale distribution, and create scalable systems that support both business growth and regional economic impact.
How does the Alliance help our finalists grow?
Thank you to the sponsors of the 2026 Drive Competition!
