SPARK Celebrates York County Entrepreneurs and Announces 2026 Winners

Cruiser’s Ice Cream, LLC won the Startup category, and Wild Trail Safari LLC won the Small Business category at the 2026 SPARK Small Business Pitch Contest, hosted by York County Development Corporation (YCDC) on Thursday, October 8, at York University’s Cornerstone Room in the Mackey Center. Now in its third year, SPARK brought together 10 businesses to present their ideas and growth plans to a panel of judges and community supporters.

The winning businesses were represented by Zachary Davis of Cruiser’s Ice Cream and Spencer and Abbie Smith of Wild Trail Safari. Each winner receives $3,000 in cash, a YCDC membership, and a marketing package valued at $1,000 donated by Nebraska Rural Radio Network’s York office.

SPARK gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to explain what they offer, who they serve, and how they plan to build a sustainable business. Participants worked with mentors ahead of the competition to prepare their pitches and strengthen their business plans. At the event, they presented to judges and answered questions about their businesses.

“Small businesses give us places to gather, services we depend on, and more reasons to shop locally. They’re an important part of York County,” said Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of YCDC. “Starting or growing a business comes with a lot of questions. SPARK gets entrepreneurs and mentors in the same room to work through those questions, strengthen their plans, and build relationships. We want people to know they have support as they take their next steps.”

This year’s participating businesses were The Lunch Box!, Zyers Nutrition, John’s Locksmithing, Sidney’s Succulents, Lifestyle with Angie, Cruiser’s Ice Cream, LLC, Clear Plains Construction, Antojitos P.M., Wild Trail Safari LLC, and Brim & Design. Their pitches represented a range of products and services, from food and nutrition to construction, retail, and recreation.

YCDC also recognizes the volunteer mentors who gave their time to review business plans, ask questions, and help participants prepare. Their guidance helped entrepreneurs strengthen their pitches and think through their next steps.

Judges were Robert Vickrey of York University, Kelly Gewecke of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and Jonathan Jank of Nebraska Public Power District. Their review included market understanding and business feasibility, giving participants an opportunity to demonstrate both the demand for their ideas and the plans behind them.

Nebraska Rural Radio Network’s York office served as title sponsor. Advocate sponsors were ALLO Fiber, Cornerstone Bank, HSB, Midwest Bank, Union Bank & Trust, and York State Bank. Additional sponsors included Advance Services, York General, Black Hills Energy, Chances “R” Restaurant & Lounge, York Chamber of Commerce, Collins Aerospace, Ready Mixed Concrete Company, Stolley Pest Services, Ayars & Ayars, Five Star Truck Center, H&R Block, and York University.