CEDC’s Inaugural Northern Spark: Pitch Competition

After an evening of outstanding presentations from entrepreneurs across Coös County, judges selected the following award recipients:

• Tellman Hill Farm, Whitefield – Passumpsic Bank's Brightest Spark Award ($7,500) & Audience Choice Award ($1,000)

• High Ground Climbing Gym & Guide Service, Gorham – CEDC Ignition Award ($5,000)

• Postscript Pharmacy, Lancaster – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Power Award ($2,500)

The judges faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an impressive group of entrepreneurs representing a wide range of industries, ideas, and communities throughout Coös County. As Judge Paula Kinney of the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce noted: "It was a tough job for the judges, and that speaks volumes about the quality of the pitches presented."

CEDC extends its sincere congratulations to all 12 entrepreneurs who took the stage to share their businesses, ideas, and visions for the future of the North Country. Your hard work, dedication, and willingness to put yourselves forward made this event both inspiring and impactful.

Thank you to our judges, sponsors, volunteers, elected officials, community partners, attendees, the team at the Rialto Theatre, and the board members who joined us in supporting and celebrating entrepreneurship in Coös County.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out to support local businesses, bold ideas, and the future of our region!