The Round Rock Public Library has announced the winners in its Biz.ability Business Plan Competition.
The grand prize winner is Katie Kehlenbach and the runner-up winner is Mandy Kelly.
Targeted to Round Rock-based startup entrepreneurs, the competition features a prize package worth more than $13,500 thanks to program partnerships with the Round Rock Chamber and Dell Technologies.
The grand prize winner will receive $7,500, a Dell computer system valued at $2,500 and consultation with a Dell Technology expert. The runner-up in the competition will receive $3,500.
“We are inspired by the creativity and determination of our fellow Round Rock citizens,” said Assistant Library Director Geeta Halley. “It is an honor and privilege to support the efforts of Round Rock’s newest small business owners and we look forward to their future success.”
A total of 17 applications were judged on their business plan, effective use and impact of the prize money, effective use of the Round Rock Public Library’s business information and research tools, community impact and viability of their business model. Entrants were also required to attend business workshops, meet with a librarian and an Austin SCORE advisor in the course of writing their business plans.
Finalists will be required to present their plans on May 3 to a panel of judges made up of leaders in the Round Rock business community along with Brooks Bennett, Round Rock’s Assistant City Manager. Bennett is a Round Rock native and entrepreneur-at-heart, having started his first business as a teenager.
The Library, offers free, public access to digital and physical collections that support Round Rock’s entrepreneurs. In addition to business directories and premium databases, the Library also regularly hosts events and workshops with leading experts in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, marketing and financial planning. Learn more about the competition at roundrocktexas.gov/bizplan.
Meet The Top 6 Finalists
Colette Hammons
Using modern laser technology, Mahacobo, LLC creates a range of personalized gifts crafted in wood, acrylic, and metal. These items, ranging from nightlights and wall decor to charcuterie boards and serving utensils, can be customized, personalized, and engraved. Mahacobo, LLC’s target market are realtors who rely on word-of-mouth referrals as well as individuals looking for custom gifts with a personal touch.
Eric Kapinus
VinoSwag, helps companies promote their brand and their values by providing environmentally friendly, customized, curated bottles of wine for their corporate events, sponsored happy hours, and appreciated gift baskets. Labels on wine bottles are perfect opportunities for companies to promote their brand, inspire Calls To Action via QR codes, and leave lasting impressions with their target audience.
Katie Kehlenbach
AdderLock® is a patented, multi-functional design allowing for faster attachment to and detachment from a barbell, AdderLock® is a patented, multi-functional barbell collar. Its design allows for faster attachment to and detachment from a barbell, enabling incremental training weight boost without always having to do a weight plate change. Production of AdderLock® will leverage exciting advances in additive manufacturing (3D printing).
Mandy Kelly
Liberty Dog RRTX makes small-batch dog food and artisan dog treats according to Texas Cottage Food Guidelines. Using AKC and leading vet recommendations, each originally created recipe provides excellent nutritional benefits and is taste tested.
Patricia Powell
Round Rock Cleaning Services offers a range of house cleaning services as well as laundry, ironing, and even pre-cooked meals. The easy online experience available through their website Round Rock Cleaning Services is family owned and operated company that plans to offer a wide range of residential cleaning services including laundry, ironing, and even pre-cooked meals for a reasonable fee. An easy online experience will be available through a website and app to customize client needs and facilitate scheduling and payments, along with the traditional in-person or over the phone customer service. Future expansion plans include Move Out/In Cleaning, New Construction Cleaning, Office Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning.
Robin Lawrence
Lil Dumpling Publications plans to fill a void in the sparse market for quality English/Mandarin children’s literature. These board books provide scaffolded reading support and come with complementary resources such as audio files, Youtube videos, and coloring sheets following Montessori pedagogical principles of using real images instead of illustrations.
