The Start Peninsula Micro Pitch #2 Finalists have been announced, with Aunt Carol’s Sauce, Dollars X Sense, and SmartCrane making it through the online Micro Pitch Competition. Aunt Carol’s Sauce is a versatile condiment created to honor the founder’s late aunt, while Dollars X Sense provides engaging financial literacy education for young people, and SmartCrane offers anti-sway crane control solutions. These finalists will each receive a $500 prize and the opportunity to compete in the Main Pitch Event on November 10th for a chance to win $5,000 and ongoing access to local resources. The next Micro Pitch Competition is scheduled for October 12th, with early-stage businesses invited to participate.

Announcement of Start Peninsula Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Media Contact: Dan Girouard

September 15, 2022                                              757-727-6237; dgirouard@hampton.gov

Finalists for 2022 Start Peninsula

Last night, the second set of finalists for the 2022 Start Peninsula was announced following an online Micro Pitch Competition. The finalists were Aunt Carol’s Sauce, Dollars X Sense, and SmartCrane. In total, eight pitchers participated.  To watch a recap of the Micro Pitch # 2 event you can visit the Start Peninsula YouTube Channel.

  • Aunt Carol’s Sauce is delicious with meats, vegetables, and especially seafood. Founder, Tahjere Lewis promised his Aunt Carol that he would turn her sauce into a business after he graduated from college. She sadly passed during his freshman year of college unexpectedly. Since then, he has been working to turn that promise into a reality.
  • Dollars X Sense teaches financial literacy and financial empowerment to the youth. They provide a fun and engaging experience where kids get to use movie money to learn how to build healthy money habits.
  • SmartCrane delivers anti-sway crane control solutions based upon patented mathematical solutions for any crane type, anywhere.

Each finalist will receive a $500 prize and the chance to participate in the Thursday, November 10th Main Pitch Event, where they will have an opportunity to win $5,000 to support their business growth and continuing access to local resources.  If you want to pitch your business idea, register to attend our Pitch Perfect event to be held on September 29thand learn how to make a winning pitch.

Upcoming Start Peninsula Events

The next Start Peninsula Micro Pitch #3 Competition will be held on Wednesday, October 12th. Early-stage businesses are invited to apply to participate. The main pitch event will feature last night’s winners as well as the three companies that are already qualified to participate: ChxmpionChip, Edenic Energy, and NerdFlex

Judges for the Third Micro Pitch Competition

Judges for the third Micro Pitch Competition included:

  • Eileen Brewer, Director of Mentorship at 757 Collab
  • Erica McMannes, Founder and Chief People & Community Officer Instant Teams
  • Carlton Campbell, Senior Director of Engineering at Elevance Health

Start Peninsula 2022 is hosted by the City of Hampton in partnership with the Cities of Newport News, Williamsburg and Poquoson and the Counties of James City and York. Start Peninsula has been held annually in different Peninsula localities since 2012. For more information about Start Peninsula, please visit its website, Facebook page or the FAQ page.

Question & Answer

Q: Who are the finalists for the 2022 Start Peninsula Micro Pitch #2 Competition?

A: The finalists for the 2022 Start Peninsula Micro Pitch #2 Competition are Aunt Carol’s Sauce, Dollars X Sense, and SmartCrane.

Q: What does Aunt Carol’s Sauce offer?

A: Aunt Carol’s Sauce is a versatile condiment created to honor the founder’s late aunt, suitable for meats, vegetables, and seafood.

Q: What is the focus of Dollars X Sense?

A: Dollars X Sense provides engaging financial literacy education for young people, offering a fun and interactive experience to build healthy money habits.

Q: What solutions does SmartCrane provide?

A: SmartCrane offers anti-sway crane control solutions based on patented mathematical solutions for any crane type.