Startup Success at Start Peninsula was demonstrated by Bonilla Pet Studio, EWedded, and Pocket Properties App, the winners of the 2021 entrepreneurial contest. The competition involved four micro-events and a final championship pitch. Bonilla Pet Studio, a pet photography business, and EWedded, an e-commerce platform for discounted wedding products, were both founded in 2020. Pocket Properties App, a platform for buying and trading real estate shares, was started last year. The three winners each received $5,000 in seed funding, a membership to Growth University, access to various business development resources, and 20 hours of consulting from business development centers.
Start Peninsula 2021 Winners
From Inside Business By SANDRA J. PENNECKE
Competition Overview
NEWPORT NEWS — After four micro events and a final championship pitch competition, judges selected the winners of this year’s Start Peninsula entrepreneurial contest.
Winning Startups
The three honorees are Bonilla Pet Studio, EWedded, and Pocket Properties App.
Business Profiles
Bonilla Pet Studio is a Norfolk-based photography studio that specializes in capturing high quality pet portraits. Founded by Erin Bonilla in March 2020, the business is opening a second location in Williamsburg in December.
EWedded is an e-commerce site started by Maya Holihan earlier this year. The business helps wedding businesses and brands to sell discontinued and overstock luxury products for up to 80% off retail prices.
Richmond-based Pocket Properties App enables users to buy and trade shares of real estate. Started by Stanley Glover last year, the financial services company employs 11 workers.
Prizes and Support
Each winner receives $5,000 in seed funding; a one-year spot at Growth University; a six-month membership to Launchpad, Williamsburg’s business development center; one-year memberships to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Williamsburg Business Alliance, the York County Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Alliance; and 20 hours of consulting from the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center and CrimDell Small Business Network.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
Question & Answer
1. What were the names of the winners of the 2021 Start Peninsula entrepreneurial contest?
Startup Success at Start Peninsula was demonstrated by Bonilla Pet Studio, EWedded, and Pocket Properties App.
2. When were Bonilla Pet Studio and EWedded founded?
Bonilla Pet Studio and EWedded were both founded in 2020.
3. What is the focus of Pocket Properties App?
Pocket Properties App is a platform for buying and trading real estate shares.
