7 entrepreneurs finalists in StartUp Cup

Seven entrepreneurs made the final cut last week in the Northwest Arkansas StartUp Cup.

The finalists will appear before contest judges a final time Nov. 1. The top three will be announced Nov. 15 at an awards ceremony.

The NWA StartUp Cup is a business model competition for any idea or company less than 5 years old. The contest provides mentoring as it helps contestants develop business models, said Mark Tocco, a board member of the Northwest Arkansas Entrepreneurial Alliance and a judge for the StartUp Cup.

The process started in May when a group of Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs narrowed the field to 20. Those selected pitched their business models to thejudges in person and the field was narrowed to 12. One competitor withdrew creating the final 11.

The first StartUp Cup was held in Tulsa, in 2007 and has expanded globally.

Tonya Nkokheli, president and founder of Innovative Markets Inc., holds the license for the Northwest Arkansas affiliate of the StartUp Cup and is the chief organizer.

Innovative Markets is a marketing and sales consultancy.

The finalists are:

Dummy Drummy - GPS enabled multi-application self-launching, self-sustaining non-inflatable sea rescue pod having zero maintenance and requiring no in-depth training to operate.

Chez Le’ Hair - Caters to the uniqueness of individuals through their expression of wigs and extended hair.

Jack Bragg Shoes - Uses highway billboard vinyl in footwear with a portion of sales donated to Action Against Hunger.

More Than A Review - Book review website that uses a rating system to grade books on violence, rough language, sex, and drugs and alcohol.

Tackle Tronics - Doorto-door campaign platform offering a map-based mobile app to help political candidates target voters.

Olive Loom Boutique - Local studio offering textile products designed and customized for each customer.

Geek Mapper - Free social-media tool for finding entertainment conventions, learning about attendance of celebrities and vendors, and coordinating with friends.

Business, Pages 65 on 09/23/2012

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