By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Two years in the books. Thousands of dollars awarded to startup businesses in Barton County. The second IGNITE Rural Business competition concluded Thursday at the Crest Theater in downtown Great Bend where entrepreneurs were given a chance to compete for $95,000 from NetworkKansas to open or start their business idea.
The event was livestreamed through Eagle Media, and co-emcee Shannon Towns announced the first place winner of $50,000.
"First place goes to First Response Cleaning and Restoration!" exclaimed Towns. "Come up here and celebrate!"
First Response Cleaning and Restoration is a family-run business offering cleaning and restoration services across Kansas, prioritizing health and safety with a deep clean that’s safe for families. Co-owner Tallan Smith and the rest of the finalists presented their sales pitch and answered questions from the shark tank-style competition.
"This is surreal to be honest," said Smith. "I want to thank everybody for the opportunity. Without you guys out here, none of this would be possible. Thank you so much. We're so grateful."
Second place, and $30,000, went to Paxton Rein and her business, Proper Boards & Picnics. Third place, awarded $10,000, and the winner of the $5,000 People’s Choice Award, was Danielle Hunter with her business Ruhe Rituals.
You can watch the entire IGNITE Rural Business competition below.