What’s the Point? Wyoming Entrepreneurs, Startup Grants & Building the Next Generation of Jobs

Join Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorell and Entrepreneurial Services Manager Brittnie Faulkner for a lively What's the Point - Open Mic discussion regarding the Kickstart program. In this session, they demystify the grant process and feature special guest awardees Zach Racklin of ING Outdoors and Luke of Power Theory to discuss their experiences and success since winning the grant. This is an excellent resource for Wyoming entrepreneurs looking to turn their big ideas into commercial realities. 0:00 - Introduction 2:38 - Kickstart Grant Program. 5:58 - Guest Speaker: Zach Racklin (Ing Outdoors) discusses his new outdoor safety app. 6:40 - Guest Speaker: Luke (Power Theory) discusses their AI-based mechanical failure prediction. 8:04 - Q&A: Kelly asks about increasing funding opportunities and frequency. 10:37 - Q&A: Common false steps and mistakes in the application process. 13:21 - Q&A: How to access the online application form. 14:44 - Q&A: Reapplying after a rejection and utilizing the SBDC. 17:30 - Luke (Power Theory) on his experience as a two-time applicant and pivoting. 19:10 - Q&A: Where to find list of past winners and the approval process. 21:16 - Success stories and the history of Startup Wyoming. 23:56 - Zach Racklin on using funds for legal counsel and soft launching. 25:57 - Luke on using funds for global tech conferences and recouping the grant. 27:08 - Discussion on the disciplined approach to entrepreneurship. 32:05 - Entrepreneurs discuss their motivations and the emotional roller coaster. 38:29 - Q&A: What resources are missing in Wyoming for startups. 45:55 - Future goals for expanding the innovation grant program. 47:58 - Networking opportunity for a mobile engraving business. 49:33 - Q&A: Recommendations for improving the program.