Funding and support opportunities were awarded to two Durango-based small businesses at this year’s West Slope Startup Week Pitch Competition.
Durangoans Mike Milakovic and Matthew Glick went head-to-head against four other finalists from around the region Oct. 8 at the Durango Arts Center and walked away with thousands in funding and a range of additional non-monetary support.
Glick presented his venture MTN FX ‒ a software as a service operations management platform built for the skiing industry ‒ and received a private wealth consultation session with Summation Wealth Group valued at $1,000.
Glick said he’s feeling good about the monetary win but sees the real win as having challenged himself and learned along the way.
“I went into it not really knowing what to expect and left a winner, so that’s good,” Glick said.
Milakovic, owner of clean snack company Mighty Mike’s Foods, received a $5,000 award from Startup Colorado that can be used as direct funding or as a matching contribution toward Milakovic’s interest-free Kiva loan campaign, organizers said.
Milakovic also won participation in a brand audit and strategy session with Magic Marketing valued at $1,500. According to organizers, the session will support the next phase of growth for Mighty Mike’s Foods and help strengthen brand presence.
“I (was) pretty surprised with getting one of the top places,” Milakovic said. “It’s definitely all going to help toward us taking the next big step with the business, and getting more delicious food out for everybody.”
Brock Predovich of BiteZen in Cañon City and Joseph Bissonnette of Sky View Tents in Buena Vista also won significant philanthropic and business support awards at the competition.
epond@durangoherald.com
