2026 FINALIST EVENT — Northern Innovation and Startup Center

Schedule

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Networking

Food and Cash Bar Available

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Program

Finalists Pitches
Judges Deliberation

Attendee Networking
Winner Announced

$10,000 first-place prize to be used to start or expand business operations. (Sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation)

Finalists

In order by presentation.

Abode Chiropractic
Marqelle Reid

CR8 Soda
Madi Jones

Everlasting Bloom
Jessica Cihak

Opus ABA
Jacquelyn Cutler

Click Here to Provide Feedback for the Finalists!

Honorable Mention

Black Crown Group
Tyler McGee
Fund My Team
Sam Tremelling
Midwest Mind & Body Center LLC
Joshua Dennert
Table and Trade
John Ellis
The Prairie Play Café
Maria Gotay

Round 2 Judges

Michael Bockorny, EDPA and the 17-20 Group

Mike founded The 17-20 Group and serves as the President & CEO. The 17-20 Group serves several clients in business development, childcare, and family services. Mike’s primary focus is serving the Economic Development Professionals Association (EDPA) of South Dakota as their CEO; an organization dedicated to the growth and diversification of South Dakota’s economy through professional development, networking, and advocacy. He has founded/co-founded 19 companies throughout the years and has also taught multiple college courses, primarily focusing on entrepreneurship and small business management.

Robert Fouberg, Dacotah Bank

During his professional career, Robert practiced law with the firm of Bantz, Gosch & Cremer in Aberdeen, South Dakota; and served as legislative counsel to US Representative John Thune, manager of agriculture and conservation policy for Ducks Unlimited and senior counsel for agricultural and rural banking for the American Bankers Association in Washington, DC before returning to South Dakota in 2003 to begin his career at Dacotah Bank. Robert currently serves as chairman and chief executive officer of the bank and its parent company, Dacotah Banks, Inc.

TJ Hochstetler, Lamont Companies

TJ is the Real Estate Manager at Lamont Companies with experience in commercial and residential leasing, property management, and real estate development. He enjoys helping businesses find the right space to grow, helping residents find the best unit to fits their needs and supporting thriving communities across the Midwest.

Candi Olson, Northern State University

Candi Olson, CPA, is an accounting instructor in the School of Business at Northern State University, where she has taught since 2017. Before joining NSU, Professor Olson built more than 20 years of experience in Big 4 public accounting and Fortune 500 companies, including Deloitte and Target Corporation.

Dr. Sal Villegas, Northern State University

Dr. Sal Villegas is an Associate Professor of Banking and Financial Services at Northern State University. He is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in the Aberdeen community, working closely with local individuals to help bring their ideas to life. Whether mentoring students for entrepreneurial success or collaborating with small business owners, he’s committed to building a stronger, more innovative future for our region.