The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has selected four finalists to compete in the upcoming PitchFest competition during the "EPIC: Growing Beyond the Ozarks" event on May 7.
Following two rounds of eliminations, the finalists will compete for a first-place prize package valued at more than $3,000. The awards include up to $1,000 in cash, a website development scholarship and other professional resources. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a "People’s Choice" vote to support their favorite entrepreneur.
2026 FINALISTS
Logan Waggoner, Cedar Lane Co.: An e-commerce and editorial platform connecting consumers with goods from southern Missouri artisans.
Amelia Protiva, BirthKind: A platform designed to connect birthing parents with qualified professionals.
Joseph Dickens, JD Shoyu Co.: A local Japanese soy sauce microbrewery.
Judy Hunter, Hunter HR Solutions: A regional human resources firm.
PitchFest is sponsored by Simmons Bank. In addition to the competition, the EPIC event will feature keynote speaker David Newman, owner of Newman Heritage Farm, and a "Beyond the Ozarks" roundtable featuring local entrepreneurs.
Registration for the event is available online at crm.ozsbi.com/epic26.
