InnovateHER Challenge is a Small Business Administration sponsored national prize competition that provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to show their products and services. Initial competitions are held locally through SBA resource partners, universities, accelerators, incubators, scale-up communities, other economic development organizations and Microsoft stores.

After the local competitions, each host organization will nominate one winner and will advance into the semi-final round where SBA will screen and eventually select 10 finalists who will compete for a total of $70,000 during the 2016 InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Challenge and Summit on March 16-17, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

This year, Ignite Washington hosted the Bellevue competition held at Bellevue College last November 18, 2015. 10 innovators making impact in different fields participated in this event.

INNOVATORS

Posture Wings™, Mary Fenske

Designing and manufacturing garments to support effective posture. The company aims to free “people of pain and enhancing their lives with innovative quality garments.”

Keiko DNA Labs, Juliet Dang

“Don’t be a fool, test your drool.” Keiko DNA Labs develops a salivary diagnostic to check for signs of HPV.

The Feminina Group, Jill Angelo

“Caring for women through the hormonal changes in their lives.” A company developing a product for women going through hormonal changes.

Cirkled in™, Reetu Gupta

An online platform where kids and students’ life achievements are captured and compiled and used to helps increase their chances of acceptance for different opportunities.

Tousled, Priya Dandawate

“Bring[ing] the hair salon to you!” An online platform that provides on-location hair styling by connecting people with hair stylists.

Excy, Michele Mehl

Excy is short for Exercise Cycling. A company that developed a total body portable cycling system that can be used for light to high-intensity interval training.

Sprout Care Company, Leigh Tribou

Building meaningful gifts for people and connects them in times of crisis. An online shop where users can purchase gifts recommended hospital patients, caregivers and nurses.

WOD toys, LLC, Ernest Ebio

“Create a culture of health and fitness that begins at home.” Designing and creating toys to inspire kids and make them passionate about fitness.

Le Pont Vers La Vie Academy, Jenni Flinders

An academy that provides confidence-building training by teaching foundational skills, etiquette, personal branding and preparedness.

Kal Academy, Kalpana Viswanathan

A nonprofit that provides technical skills training for women and provides job placement services in the technology sector.

Brand Design Lab, Margaret Spencer

A brand strategy and creative services company for small businesses and “empower women with the resources they need to become self-reliant.”

The panel of judges included respected professionals from various industries within the Puget Sound Area. The criteria for judging were (1) measurable impact on women and families; (2) potential for commercialization: and (3) fills a need in the market. At the end of the day, three winners emerged.

1st Prize Winner – Overall Best Business Pitch Award

The Feminina Group, Jill Angelo

2nd Prize Winner – Best Impact Award

Kal Academy, Kalpana Viswanathan

3rd Prize Winner – Best Presentation Award

Keiko DNA Labs, Juliet Dang

I met amazing people at the event, from the innovators, judges, organizers, and attendees. Through these events, I continue to feel motivated and inspired to make my own impact in our world. Good luck and wishing all the best to the Feminina Group and all innovators who participated in this competition!