2024 Fund Recipients
Fynch Interactive
Lucas Crow & Noah Fouts are the owners and developers behind “Fynch Interactive”, a dynamic media company that creates titles on the Roblox platform. The duo is currently working on a narrative-driven co-op game, and is hoping to expand into multiple platforms. Lucas and Noah were awarded the top prize in the 2024 cohort, amounting to $8,000.
English for All
Maria Eduarda Olimpio Lopes co-founded “English for All” in 2021. The international education program offers virtual learning to enhance language proficiency, socio-emotional skills, and cross-cultural understanding, with significant growth in teacher and student participation from multiple countries. Maria was awarded $6,500 to grow and further develop EFA’s programming.
RoomU
Founders Kamber Hawkins & Hanna Huyn designed a roommate matching app and are planning to start small and local before expanding. The development of their company “RoomU” earned them a startup grant of $6,500.
Deodomix
Jese Ortiz is the funder of “deodomix”, a small, penny-sized cleaning tablet designed to deodorize and clean shaker bottles, water bottles, and other hard-to-clean containers. The baking soda-based tablet impressed judges, helping Jese earn $3,000 for his idea.
Ethan’s Journal
Ethan Gegg is the creator of “Ethan’s Journal” a social media brand for high school and college teenagers struggling to find their passion and purpose in life. Initially profitable through sponsors and crowdfunding, the brand hopes to promote courses and digital products to help teens better understand themselves and their passions. Ethan was awarded $2,000 to pursue this content creation.
Aperture Media Group
Jerry Zhang, Grant Cox, and Noah Marut founded multimedia promotional filming company, “Aperture Media Group”. Specializing in aerial drone photography AMG provides dynamic footage for promotional content and special events. The group was awarded $2,000.
O’Daniel LLC
Devin Bly’s idea began as a venture into golf bag accessories but pivoted into a motivational sticker business after recognizing a broader market demand by creating his brand “O’Daniel LLC”. This shift perfectly demonstrates the life cycle of ideas as an entrepreneur. Devin was awarded $1,000 to pursue his venture.
2023 Fund Recipients
- Blaise Ebisch: IndependUS
- Gibson Hanke: Equipo Media
- Nez Redi: RediNetwork
- Michael Moriarty: EcoReuse
- Isaac Ernst: WeLift
- Matthew Salas: GloGamer
- Taylor McMahan: Glam Elite
- Sterling Jones: SterlingOuttaPocket Beats
- Trent Grempler: Personal Iten(s)
- Melanie Garcia: Churros
- Lauren McDaniels: Waves
- Jameson Fitzgerald: FLOZ
- Andrea Lee: Musicians Corner
- Jake Aron: This Is My City