YCDC’s SPARK Program Ignites Entrepreneurship, Names Two Winners!

York, NE – The York County Development Corporation (YCDC) proudly celebrates the success of the 2024 SPARK Program, a dynamic event fostering entrepreneurial spirit and growth in York County. 2024 is the first year YCDC has been able to add this event to support our entrepreneurs. At the event, participants pitched their businesses to a panel of professionals, who then chose the winners. Judges also reviewed business plans that had been submitted ahead of time. Lisa Hurley, YCDC’s Executive Director said “I was very impressed with all presentations and am thankful we included time for these businesses to connect with resources”. 

This year, Genie Fae Creative Connections & Workshop and GoodyPop emerged as the top winners, each securing $3,000, $1,000 in marketing from the Nebraska Rural Radio Network (104.9 Max and Kool Radio), and an in-kind one-year YCDC Stakeholder Investment. GoodyPop, a gourmet popcorn store in downtown York won the Small Business Award to help her make strategic changes, and Genie Fae Creative Connections & Workshop, a creative space for artists to work and a gallery won the start-up award. She will be opening soon! Make sure you stop and support both of these businesses. 

In addition to the prizes mentioned above, participants and audience members were given time to network and connect. This led to great conversations about future partnership opportunities, and attendees expressed their enthusiasm for seeing these businesses move forward.

YCDC also extends heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who made this event possible. Special thanks to Nebraska Rural Radio Association - York Stations for their title sponsorship. Additional support from Advocate Sponsors were Central Valley Ag, Cornerstone Bank, Henderson State Bank, Midwest Bank, Union Bank & Trust, and York State Bank. Partners were Advanced Services, Inc., York General, Chances R, Collins Aerospace, Kopsa Otte, Overland Ready Mis, Southeast Community College, and Wendy’s. Supporters included Ayers & Ayers, Inc., H&R Block, and York Dental Associates. Our judges were Jonathan Jank (Seward County Chamber and Economic Development Partnership), Amy Jurgens (Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Center), and Robert Vickrey (York University).  Thank you to all of you plus our regional resource partners played a vital role in supporting these emerging businesses. Their commitment to local entrepreneurship reflects a deep dedication to community growth and prosperity.

The competition showcased phenomenal talent, with each pitch reflecting the innovation and drive of our local businesses. YCDC thanks all participants, judges, and attendees for their support, knowing that these connections will be invaluable resources for the entrepreneurs as they expand their businesses.