One of the largest new-venture contests at the collegiate level, with more than $150,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, has announced its newest batch of regional startup winners. With varying amounts of new funding under their belts, the companies are positioned for a successful year ahead, taking home a cumulative $95,000.
Women founders swept the 2023 University of Dayton Flyer Pitch competition for the first time in its history — winning in all three tracks with solutions for seniors needing transportation and home care, women of color navigating the healthcare system, and homebuyers buying off-market properties.
The largest prize of $60,000 cash and in-kind services for the startup track went to UNLISTED, a technology helping home buyers and agents express interest in properties before they’re listed for sale. Founder and CEO Katie Hill has a record for success with startups as a Flyer Pitch winner in 2010 with the company CommuterAds, and advisor and entrepreneur-in-residence for 2022 startup winner, Lunnie.
On the nonprofit track, The Blooming Circle — a digital health and wellness advocacy, education and navigation system — won a $13,000 prize of cash and in-kind services. Nicole Carter started the system to build inclusive communities of care to be utilized by health care and wellness providers as well as women of color in Greater Dayton.Care Task, a non-emergency medical transportation and home service for seniors, won the local business track and an $11,600 cash and in-kind prize. Founded by Tastee Smith, the company has been serving seniors in three surrounding counties for more than one year with a near 100% satisfaction rate.
In addition to the three track winners, three Connie Neace Memorial Community Choice awards were awarded:
- The ESP/Tech track community choice award ($5,000) to WakEDrive – a startup providing the benefits of an electric drive to boats through manufacturing solutions and modification opportunities for existing boat owners.
- The nonprofit track community choice award ($2,500) to The Well for Wellness – a wellness center in Kettering, Ohio specializing in whole-person nutrition and care for women, babies and young children.
- The local business track ($2,500) to Empowering to Elevate - providing school-based, out-patient, day treatment and telehealth services to tackle developmental and mental health challenges.
“Once again, this year’s competition reminded us that the ecosystem for entrepreneurship in Dayton is thriving as an incredible group of founders demonstrated solutions that will change the lives of a diverse set of stakeholders,” said David Marshall, Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership director. “We thank all participants, mentors, sponsors and judges across each of the competition’s three rounds for their commitment to promoting entrepreneurship for the common good and their efforts to support UD’s track record of startup success.”
