COLUMBUS, Ind. – Catalyst Columbus has announced its 2024 winners of the Catalyst Pitch Competition, held at the Columbus Learning Center on June 15. The event, designed to foster regional entrepreneurship, saw pitches from 20 innovative startups and awarded $20,000 in prize money to various Bartholomew and Jackson County entrepreneurs.
The first-place prize of $7,500 went to two businesses, CayPops Bakery, founded by recent Columbus North High School graduate Caylyn Pruitt, and Tiny Kindness, led by Rachel Hunt. Both ventures showcased outstanding potential and creativity, earning them top honors.
The third-place prize of $3,000 was awarded to Eric Silver for his innovative company, Pendulum. Tyler Short secured fourth place with Sitka Nursery, receiving $2,000. Stephanie Strothmann rounded out the winners, earning $1,000 for Purple Shamrock Farm.
The Catalyst Pitch Competition is sponsored by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Duke Energy, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, and Catalyst Columbus.
Catalyst is dedicated to empowering startups, entrepreneurs, and dreamers. It provides access to resources, expert coaching, and support from like-minded founders. It is aided by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Columbus, and the Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County.
