WEST PLAINS, MO – The Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) hosted EPIC 22, their annual National Small Business Week celebration, on May, 12, 2022. Approximately 70 attendees from the area had an opportunity to attend and participate in the many diverse events at EPIC 22. The event included many exciting speakers, including: Sarah Hill with Healium, Bobby Walker with Devil’s Backbone Knives, Dr. Jenny Long with Midwest Counseling & Assessment, Shane Baker with Phonics Companion, and Johnna Swineford with Viandel Vineyard. It was amazing to see all of these innovative and talented entrepreneurs talk about their journeys starting and operating their businesses in the Ozarks.
One of the newest OzSBI coworkers, Vanessa, had this to say “Being new to the West Plains community, EPIC 22 was the perfect opportunity to meet other professionals and business owners in the area. I was inspired by the stories and struggles of local entrepreneurs, a greater understanding of the opportunities the OzSBI community affords, and an optimistic resolve to find my own way in this new landscape”.
In addition to the many speakers, EPIC 22 included a shark tank-like pitch competition. Four individuals made it through two preliminary rounds to compete in front of the event attendees for a chance to win $1000. The winner of the pitch competition was Todd Weakley with T&A2 Specialty Wood Products. Following Todd was Jessica McCollom with Hilltop Blooms Flower Farm in 2nd place, Patricia Uveges with ERA Business Consulting in 3rd place, and Thomas Sallings with Main Street Market in 4th place.
According to OzSBI CEO Heather Fisher, “EPIC 22 allowed us to see how so many small businesses are still thriving even through the pandemic. We cannot wait to see how each of our pitch competitors continue to grow their ideas”.
