Kelton Quinn, a member of Mitchell Tech’s first Entrepreneurship cohort and owner of KU Craftmanship, will compete as a finalist in the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition. “I’m excited, but it’s a little nerve-racking,” the 21-year-old Milesville native said.
For his contest entry, Quinn stated that he is “experienced in woodworking and cabinetry seeking to create a niche by delivering superior products and exceptional customer service.” His business launched late last year, as he continued his studies with Mitchell Tech’s Entrepreneurship program.
Ryan Van Zee, Entrepreneurship program director, assisted his students in entering the Giant Vision Competition as a part of their studies.
“Our students have already started their businesses and are getting clients and hoping to expand in their communities,” Van Zee said. “What better way to test their plan than to put it up against their peers’ business ideas across the state, and maybe win a little money to help get them to the next level?”
Quinn is among eight South Dakota student finalists competing for a $5,000 top prize. The finalists will host booths showcasing their business ideas at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Competitors also will give individual presentations to a panel of judges and be scored on their business pitches, including topics such as market, opportunity, management and potential for growth.
The competition runs in conjunction with the annual Governor’s Office of Economic Development Conference. Winners will be announced during a joint luncheon program. Quinn is the only technical college student whose business plan was selected for the finals.
“I think this is just outstanding, that Quinn and his business would be selected for this, and that he would be up against finalists from four-year universities,” Van Zee said. “This honor says a lot about him and his business, but also about our program, that already we have students prepared to succeed at this caliber of competition.”