Invest 606, an accelerator based out of Eastern Kentucky, recently held its annual pitch competition — and three startups walked away with sizable checks.
The event was held on April 15 at the event space 2nd & Main in Corbin, Kentucky, in Whitley County.
Bethany Allen, the founder of The Flower Lady, took home the grand prize of $15,000. The Morgan County-based business creates unique floral designs for weddings and other events.
Nathan Lyttle of QCS (Queen City Streams) placed second and received $8,000. Based out of Perry County, the startup hosts and broadcasts competitive esports events throughout the area.
Annie’s Frugal Finery out of Lechter County earned $4,500 for a third-place finish. The startup, which is an upscale, environmentally conscious consignment store, was represented by Annie Eldridge and Debbie Campbell.
“This was another great cohort of Invest 606 finalists. The diversity of businesses this year was incredible and illustrate the innovation found in Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs,” said Geoff Mariotta, a tech entrepreneur who co-founded Invest 606 in 2019.
The field was composed of seven finalists from Invest 606’s 2023 cohort. Each participant was given a maximum of eight minutes to present their startup, followed by three to five minutes to answer questions from the audience. The other four finalists won $1,000 each.
To be eligible for the cohort, a business must be based within the 606 area code — and have the intention of adding to the economy of Eastern Kentucky.
Besides Marrieta, Invest 606’s other founding partners are the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky; the James Brown Foundation and the Foundation For Appalachian Kentucky.
