Twenty student businesses lined the Hall of Flags during the Spring 2019 VentureCon. VentureCon is a free student business trade show where UVU students starting or running their own business can validate and market to potential customers. This semester, the Entrepreneurship Institute added funding prizes for the fan favorite and judges’ choice, and a workshop prior to the event to help student participants develop a better display.

Jameson Tanner of FishKiss Fish Spa received the popular vote, and won $1,000. FishKiss Fish Spa is the most unique spa in Utah. Home to the tiny Doctor Fish, customers come to find relief from the age-old problem of cracked, unhealthy, rough feet. Gone are the old ways of pampering your feet! At FishKiss, each customer is washed, sanitized, and prepped for the FishKiss experience. Little Doctor Fish gently exfoliate or "kiss" away dead skins cells in a fun and relaxing way. The experience is finished with a post sanitation process, a steamed towel, and lotion. Experience the most unique kiss in Utah!

“We are extremely grateful for the UVU Entrepreneurship Institute,” said Jameson. “They have provided us with opportunities that we wouldn't have been able to have otherwise. We have been striving to build an incredibly unique and special experience for all who come into our store. We strive to listen to the wants and needs of our customers. We will be using the funds received to do just that—innovate on behalf of the customer interests in store and find additional ways to provide value to different marketplaces. More specifically, we will be using the funds to enhance the customer experience at FishKiss by adding more necessary equipment to our washroom/front area and creating a more inviting interior for our guests. Additionally, we have been working on what we call ‘Long-term Tank Rentals’ to rent out fish/tanks/equipment to existing salons and spas to use in their stores.”

The judges awarded Tyler Nyland of The Kreative Kiln and Kevin Interiano of iDrive Entertainment $1,000 as well.

“We are a young ambitious couple filled with passion for the arts,” said Tyler. “As we have discovered the artists inside ourselves, we gained the desire to help others find their inner artists as well. We provide a unique pottery date night experience for all. We also make custom work, from vases, statement pieces, bowls, mugs, teacups, salt and sugar jars, planter and succulent pots, ring holders, and so on. Everything is made, glazed, and fired in our studio. We are so excited to use the $1,000 reward towards a down payment on a house now that all of our equipment and business is profitable. The plan is to put The Kreative Kiln studio in our new home, in a closer location to students.”

“iDrive Entertainment is an exciting and growing startup with four unique services: TeamDrive, DriveCon, Drive to Educate, and iDrive Entertainment,” said Kevin. “Each product adds value to businesses and leaders in its own special way through increasing eNPS, improving employee engagement, generating more leads at conventions and trade shows, and much more—all with the equally important byproduct of fun and excitement! We will use the winnings from VentureCon to go towards marketing. Currently, we don’t have high exposure, and many people don’t know who we are or what we do. We are hoping to produce a video to use across all avenues and increase awareness.” 

 

 

Are you a UVU student with a business? Here’s why you should participate in VentureCon:

• Showcase and promote your business
• Great networking opportunity
• Receive feedback from potential customers
• Increase social presence, sales, and reviews
• Participants have received over 100 emails from students interested in using their product/service.

The next VentureCon will take place Fall 2019.