Welcome to the tank, Lakeland. Next week, five local entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses for up to $10,000 in micro-grant funding at Catapult Lakeland’s Launch Night .
In this “Shark Tank”-style event, pitching entrepreneurs will have roughly 10 minutes to present their ideas and why they deserve the funding. This round’s finalists represent a broad range of makers — from specialty drinkware to woodworking businesses — who could impress even the Mr. Wonderful.
Michael Adkins, Sydney Graybill, Jacqueline Martinez, Tony Orbegoso + Tyler Cummings, and Luke Citarelli are this round’s Launch Pitch Night finalists.
Photos courtesy of @catapultlkld
- Infinite Matterz
| Founder Michael Adkins transformed his hobby for powder coating into a full-scale business that specializes in applying electrostatic and ceramic coatings to everything from cups to car parts.
Seeking funds for: An improved powder gun
Awarded: $10,000 - Dual Drinks
| Imagine a thermos that can not only hold two separate drinks in it but also allows you to mix them together — that’s Dual Drinks, a one-of-a-kind invention by founder Sydney Graybill.
Seeking funds for: Manufacturing and tooling equipment
Awarded: $10,000 - Taqueria del Angel
| A student at Florida Southern, Jacqueline Martinez is the founder of this pop-up restaurant concept with authentic recipes for Mexican favorites like tacos and taquitos.
Seeking funds for: A new POS system and booth improvements
Awarded: $2,500 - TNT Industries
| Tony Orbegoso + Tyler Cummings founded this commercial and retail woodworking company that focuses on creating beautiful countertops and tables.
Seeking funds for: A wide belt sander to improve their work capacity
Awarded: $10,000 - Patch N Play | Patch N Play is a product that extends the longevity of athletes’ tennis shoes by making them more resilient. Founder Luke Citarelli is also a student at FSC.
Seeking funds for: 3D printing equipment and filament
Awarded: $2,500
All five businesses received $35,000 total at this Launch Pitch Night.
Photo by @catapultlkld
Want to be in the room where it happens? The next Launch Pitch Night is coming up this fall — follow along with Catapult to see when applications and RSVPs open.