Check Out Some of This Year's Startup Challenge 2020 Contestants!
It is time, once again, for the annual Startup Challenge Monterey Bay that has supported and promoted a number local businesses since its inception. This year, we’re very excited to cheer on some of our friends and tour partners, and as last year’s reigning champs (that’s right!), we thought we’d take a minute to highlight this challenge, its importance on the community, and give a shoutout to our friends who are partaking this year.
What is the Startup Challenge?
The Startup Challenge takes local businesses and, in a Shark Tank-esque competition, has them pitch for a chance to win the $10,000 grand prize. The businesses that enter have a positive impact on the economic growth and support of the community, and win or not, it’s a great opportunity for some exposure to other business leaders in the area. We’re known for being a community that supports and uplifts each other, which is one of our favorite things about living here. Even during times like this, we have a very community-forward mindset and continually look for ways to value and support each other. And, trust us, we can definitely say the experience was one in a million, and we’ve seen some incredible growth because of it.
But What About This Coronavirus Fiasco?
Although we, like so many around us, are mortified with everything going on with COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, the truth is, we are not all fortunate enough to be on this season of Big Brother, and we must endure the events occurring in the wake of the chaos. As of now, while this year’s startup challenge will continue, there are no details for the finale, as it, too, has been postponed. Before this pandemic, we had planned on covering this year’s challenge as it was, so be sure to check back on updates. We’ll keep you informed as we find out ourselves!
With all that being said, here’s some information about the candidates we know. This year, there were over 120 entries — up from the 80 in our competition last year. Good luck to all businesses who have entered, and in the meantime, don’t forget to purchase gift certificates to help support these businesses during such trying times.
Heritage Chocolates Corralitos
As the inspiration behind Heritage Chocolates Corralitos, Allison Rider, states, “There’s no such thing as bad chocolate, it’s just that some chocolate is better than others.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, and even though Allison rests in peace, his legacy lives on through Heritage Chocolates Corralitos. Not only are we super excited for them to be part of this year’s Startup Challenge, we also love our ability to feature them on our Local Seafood Tour! We’ve also been tasting the Spring Forward with Roses bar on our Old Monterey Food Tour, and trust us, chocolate doesn’t get any better than this! Customers can still enjoy their chocolates during this pandemic, and quite frankly, it might come in handy!
Monterey Bay Moves
Time to get up, get out, and get moving! There’s never a bad excuse to put your health and wellness in the forefront of your priorities, and Monterey Bay Moves makes group activities well worth the experience! Coach and founder Elizabeth Plante, a Canadian native who’s made a home on our peaceful peninsula, strives to bring out the best in all of her clients through group motivation. Her personal journey led her down paths that weren’t always the most beneficial, and she turned the strength she found within herself into a business that helps encourage others to find that same inner strength. As of now, they are still offering group classes online, and members can still enjoy multiple yoga options, HIIT, and bootcamp. Also, in light of the pandemic, Elizabeth has also launched a pay-what-you-can campaign to encourage people to keep moving.
My Local Thrive
Anybody else out there love discounts? Well, if you do, you should definitely head on over to My Local Thrive and check out their Thrive Pass to see what kind of discounts and experiences you can find here on the bay. The business was started up by Luke Young, a bartender over at Alvarado Street Brewery, with the intent of bringing the community closer through the support of local businesses. From now through June 1, 100% of the proceeds go to Dorothy’s Place and weHike, and post June 1, they will still receive 20% of sales. The Thrive Pass comes with lots of perks and currently has 14 businesses on board. They’re also planning various events like self defense classes and a coffee tour with Captain and Stoker. We know we’re here for that tour!
West Coast AGAVE
West Coast Artisanal Goods and Visual Enterprises — or West Coast AGAVE — is a privately owned distribution company that focuses solely on local products. Monterey is highly known for our community-minded focus, and West Coast AGAVE’s owner, Aga Simpson, pays attention to the quality products local businesses churn out. The food industry in Monterey has been one of the highest grossing in our history, and our access to farmland and our salt-scented ocean air brings out the terroir-driven flavors. West Coast AGAVE understands how vital promotion is, so through their partnerships, the intent is to connect the artisan food makers with specialty food and wholesale buyers. Anyone who knows anything about us knows we love promoting local product, so we are all here for the services West Coast AGAVE provides to the local artisan food makers!
