Hy-Vee awarded $50,000 to minority- and women-owned businesses on Thursday during the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha.
During the pitch competition, 15 companies from across the Midwest presented to a panel of judges and event attendees. Each company leader was able to demonstrate their product or explain their service for the chance to win a small-business grant from Hy-Vee.
The following food and beverage companies were awarded for their efforts:
Grand Prize Winner: Humbl Roots of Omaha, Nebraska
The business won $30,000. Humbl Roots is a food manufacturing company that reinvents familiar foods to accommodate dietary restrictions.
First Place Food and Beverage Winner: A+ Berry of Lincoln, Nebraska
The business won $5,000. A+ Berry is a food tech company that creates innovative, antioxidant-rich drinks.
In addition to the above winners, the following food and beverage brands also participated in the pitch competition:
• Cup of Coa from Kearney, Nebraska
• Harken Sweets from Chicagoland, Illinois
• Sunday Night Foods from Des Moines, Iowa
• Anchovy from Lincoln, Nebraska
The summit also featured an expo that offered resources for small businesses, learning opportunities through presentations and panel discussions, and the chance to learn about local brands.
Related: Hy-Vee to Host Inclusive Business Summit; Meijer Grows Black-Owned Brand Selection