“Our Spring 2024 showcase was one for the books! We laughed, we cried, we ate yummy samples, and were creatively inspired.”
Earlier this month, Startup Tucson held its sixth accelerator showcase where 21 local entrepreneurs working in the creative and food industries showed off their products to the local Tucson Business ecosystem.
Plus, more than $3,500 was given in prize money to six winning graduates!
In total, there were 14 creative companies in the new Canvas group and then seven food entrepreneurs graduated from Startup Tucson’s Food Foward program.
Flora’s Market Run and Pueblo Vida Brewing sponsored the showcase, and Groundswell Capital’s Firestarter Grant provided the largest amount of prize money in the history of this event.
Both Canvas and Food Forward participants were eligible to win First Place, Second Place, and People’s Choice awards.
To determine First and Second place, a panel of three judges with industry-related expertise visited each entrepreneur’s booth and carefully reviewed their business models. People’s Choice was determined by who received the most votes from showcase guests.
2024 Spring Showcase Winners:
Canvas
- First Place went to Elliot the Potter, who makes pottery for people seeking a connection with art, the earth, and handmade goods.
- Second Place went to Ashes to Light/SD Gallery, which lovingly transforms ashes into incredible paintings.
- People’s Choice went to Align Wear, who has designed wearable fitness products designed for alignment, protection, and style
Food Forward
- First Place went to Ouef White Bakeshop, who surpassed the judges’ expectations with her delectable French pastries.
- Second Place went to Cycling Moon Cafe, which sold them on the business model for luxurious and ethically sourced chocolate with a story.
- People’s Choice went to Chulas Cocina, a private chef specializing in Mexican and Caribbean flavors to honor the culture, traditions, and history behind the food.
“When I walked into Food Forward my business was a hobby, I left as a business prepared for success and a new state of mind. Startup Tucson helped me create a concentrated vision and words for my pitch,” the owners of Cycling Moon Cafe shared. “These words helped me change how I present my company and also my direction. Looking back I see I was not grounded in my approach, I feel now so empowered and have direction. It’s such an important and strengthening position, it’s hard to explain how grateful I am!”
All Food Forward Graduates:
- Chulas Cocina: We are a private chef service that offers a unique at-home experience of infusions of all diasporas. We specialize in Mexican & Caribbean flavors because we love to honor the culture, traditions, and history behind the food.
- Cycling Moon Cafe: I make high-quality origin chocolate with a focus on health, responsible sourcing, and flavor innovation.
- Desert Sun Sauce: We are passionate about crafting flavorful hot sauces that not only ignite your taste buds but also prioritize your health. Our specialty lies in raw, living, fermented hot sauces. We believe in the power of natural ingredients, big flavor, and no preservatives.
- Ouef White Bakeshop: Elevate your brunch and any occasion with pastries from Ouef White Bakeshop. We help foodies and home cooks transform their boring meals into memorable experiences through French-inspired pastries with unique flavors.
- Crazy Crumb: Crumb cake with a flavor twist for snacking outside the box.
- Y la Tortillas: Tortilla factory dedicated to making nutrient-dense tortillas. Designed for specific purposes such as to support brain health, lower blood sugar, and natural body wellness. Infused with ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
To check out all 21 of the local businesses, visit startuptucson.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
