Hy-Vee awarded $50,000 to local minority- and women-owned businesses during the Hy-Vee Opportunity Inclusive Business Summit at Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. This was the fourth summit Hy-Vee has hosted in support of these business owners.
These summits are part of Hy-Vee’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its supplier base and product offerings, as well as supporting minority communities across its eight-state territory, according to the company.
During the pitch competition component of the event, 13 local companies presented to a panel of judges and more than 200 attendees. Each company leader was given the opportunity to demonstrate their product or service to a panel of judges for the chance to win a small-business grant from Hy-Vee.
During the competition, Hy-Vee awarded Yips Snacks $5,000 as the first-place food and beverage category winner. They are a maker of shelf-stable yogurt chips made from Greek yogurt.
In addition to the winners, the following food brands participated in the pitch competition:
• FlavR Beverage Company, a maker of zero-waste fruit powder drink mixes.
• TheEatBar, Lake Forest, a maker of a meringue dessert bar.
• T-Rex Cookie, a maker of half-pound and five-pound cookies.
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