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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Launch Micro-Grant Funding Program was created by Catapult to help entrepreneurs scale their business operations through the provision of capital access. Grant recipients are chosen after local financial institutions chosen to judge the event assess a multiplicity of factors through an application process and the pitch competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s Launch Pitch Night included pitches from four candidates in a variety of different business niches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ana Imai, founder, and co-owner of Omusubee, pitched for $10, 000 to purchase an Autec rice mixer. The mixer will allow the business to produce higher volumes of rice, assisting in meeting the high demand for their product. Omusubee produces high-quality Japanese-inspired pre-packaged rice balls, also known as onigiri. As a former swim mom, Ana regularly provided her children and their friends with this delicious snack during many competitions. Ana now hopes to offer that same nutritious and portable snack to the Florida community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connor O’Brien and Campbell Rice, co-founders and owners of The Collection Media, pitched for a little over $9,000 to purchase various pieces of studio equipment to enhance efficiency in their production process. Of those items was a Mac Studio computer, which the duo emphasized would cut production time by at least 20% and provide a secure home for client’s projects. The Collection Media focuses on the power of storytelling through the art of cinematography and high-quality videography. Their business model focuses on bridging the gap between brands and their audiences through visual storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Josephine Colorina, co-founder and owner of Pinoy Cravings, pitched for $10,000 to purchase a food trailer to cut down prep-time for events and catering. Colorina and the Pinoy Cravings crew are confident the trailer will also assist in bringing Filipino food to more Lakelanders, increasing sales, and staffing additional employees. Pinoy Cravings currently serves their product at various Pop Ups, local markets, businesses, and also offers catering services. The team is working towards opening a brick & mortar location in the Lakeland area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rounding out this year’s pitchers was Fred Kohler of Ready Chapter 1, a company with a passion to develop and empower authors to tell incredible stories. The Ready Player 1 roadmap guides writers through the complete publishing journey within a community. The Ready Player 1 roadmap guides writers through the entire publishing journey. Allowing students to develop their work among fellow writers, receive feedback from said colleagues, as well as feedback from industry professionals, offer contests and awards to build the writer\u2019s up, and confidently submit their work to editors and agents. Much like other master class models, Ready Chapter 1 offers pre-recorded classes. Kohler pitched for $7,500 for purchasing A\/V equipment to build a portable studio. The studio will allow the Ready Chapter 1 team to travel and record the various expert led sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After each candidate’s presentation, the judges deliberated and funding was awarded to Pinoy Cravings and Omusubee. Pinoy cravings co-founder and owner, Florencio Dobrea, shared the surreality of the moment. Dobrea and the Pinoy crew desire to expand the cultural experiences within Lakeland, and being part of such a monumental shift in the inclusion of culture has been beyond belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are very grateful for the win, \u201csaid funding recipient Ana Imai of Omusubee. \u201cThe most amazing part of the Launch Pitch process is the people we met along the way. They are mentors: they are patient and so supportive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201d We want to applaud each participant and congratulate the grant recipients of the spring 2022 Launch Pitch Night.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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