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Four Winners Named at Helena Startup Challenge

2 min read

Four Helena-West Helena businesses were named winners and split $80,000 in prize money at Southern Bancorp’s Helena Startup Challenge, announced Monday.

Southern Bancorp, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, held the competition to promote entrepreneurship in the Delta.

“A major part of Southern Bancorp’s mission is to promote entrepreneurs in the communities we serve,” said Darrin Williams, Southern Bancorp CEO. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on this project that gives these energetic young businesses the spark they need to get off the ground.”

Winners are:

  • Delta LP Irrigation Engines, LLC, which specializes in liquid propane engines for agricultural applications. It received a $25,000 investment offer for its business plan and pitch. Founder Gordon Cunningham, created Delta LP Irrigation Engines based on his experience with irrigation solutions for farmers in east Arkansas.
  • Reclaimed Helena Furniture Company from Jan Feldman also received a $25,000 investment. Reclaimed Helena collects solid wood from crumbling structures in the Delta and gives it new life by transforming it into modern, solid wood furniture.
  • Jessica Butler and Heather Hardesty’s Hadley Gray Boutique was awarded a $15,000 investment. Hadley Gray Boutique offers unique, affordable women’s and children’s clothing in a wide variety of sizes.
  • Atkinson’s Dance Academy, founded by Olympia Atkinson, was also awarded a $15,000 investment. It teaches a variety of styles for kids and teens ages 5 to 17.

A review panel of local business professionals scored the business plans and pitches of each applicant to determine investment offers, according to a Southern Bancorp press release. Winning businesses agree to locate in Helena-West Helena and remain in the community for at least three years.

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