GREENFIELD – Five up-and-coming companies took part in the first of four rounds of the “Take the Floor” pitch competition at the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center on Saturday afternoon.

At the event, co-sponsored by Athol Credit Union, Franklin First Federal Credit Union, Hawks & Reed and Mesa Verde, a group of two entrepreneurs won a cash prize of $ 100 as well as a chance to participate in the series of final pitches in June. , which will offer $ 10,000 to the winner.

Greenfield resident Mickey Balsavich and Turners Falls resident Tabitha Rantanen were selected on Saturday for their presentation on the creation of Keyara’s Haven, a sober home for women and children to help those on the road to recovery drug addiction.

Balsavich and Rantanen, who said they were both recovering, said being named the winners was touching and that they hope to take the time by June to start making connections and strengthening their final pitch. . Rantanen said Keyara’s Haven’s name comes from his late daughter.

“It’s something that is really close to our hearts,” Balsavich said after the event. “This is the first step in the right direction.

Rantanen said they’ve been working on the idea for the past year.

During their presentation, they envisioned owning a home that could “be a home” for children and their recovering mothers so that they “can be the best mothers and the best supports for their families”.

The participants were introduced to the audience and a four-member panel consisting of State Representative Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, Mayor Roxann Wedegartner’s Chief of Staff, Dani Letourneau, Athol Credit Union President / CEO Courtney Fifield and business / non-profit consultant Chad Fuller.

Each panel member received two votes while audience members were entitled to one vote. The panel was also treated to a question-and-answer session with the contractors and questions from the public were allowed if time remained.

During Balsavich and Rantanen’s speech, Blais said the two women put forward a noble idea and take over where government fails.

“It sounds like a service,” Blais said, “and being in government is something government should be doing.… (You two) are stepping up to fill this gap.

Létourneau agreed with Blais, saying “this is too deep a hole” and it’s good that Balsavich and Rantanen have brought it to light.

Balsavich said they were trying to get funding and the $ 10,000 grand prize would be a good start. They are looking to stay in Greenfield, where a significant amount of resources are available.

“Greenfield has so many local resources,” said Balsavich, “that it’s a great place. ”

Other locations

The other entrepreneurs, who are still eligible to return at the next “Speak Up” event, presented a wide variety of product and service ideas ranging from search and rescue drones to DIY shoe kits.

Anthony Novak, who works at Orange and lives in Petersham, presented his idea for Copper Viking Studio, which would help local “manufacturers, sellers and small businesses” to elevate their business.

His plan was to use 3D printers to help local artisans produce more of their products while helping them go through a quality assurance process to better improve their designs.

Athol resident Cassandra Houde pitched her idea for First Footsteps, a business that would sell take-out shoe kits that can be made into children’s shoes while teaching people new skills.

She said her business plan was to “give back” while creating opportunities for people to learn a craft skill that could lead them into a new industry.

Chad Gelinas, also from Orange, presented his project for Sage Drone Media, an independent company that would provide drones to help with search and rescue missions or marketing opportunities for companies in need of aerial cover, like a golf course.

He said he had a pilot’s license and could also use his skills to train firefighters and other rescue officials to gain their own certification for the use of drones.

Kelly Surprenant, from Wendell, pitched her idea for a recycled clothing and embroidery company called The Rainbow Rack. She said she was disillusioned with mass production of clothing and wanted to create special clothing that was wearable as well as artistic.

“It’s not just a piece you have in your house,” she said. “A necklace needs a person who wears it.”

She said she wanted to “bring unique and cool pieces to the people of Franklin County.”

The next event

Max Fripp, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Greenfield Community College, which hosted the event, said Saturday was a good start to ‘speak up’ and it was the first step to help the county’s creative economy.

“I think it felt inclusive and safe for people to present,” said Fripp during the counting of the votes. “Newly launched businesses resonate with what Franklin County is all about.”

He said the next three events will take place in February, April and May, and new entrepreneurs should keep an eye out for advertising and press releases relating to registrations. There are still plenty of places to register. The “Speak Up” Facebook page will also be posting updates.

Chris Larabee can be reached at [email protected] or 413-930-4081.