The winner of the Spark Soldotna event has been announced, and their reward was lifechanging!
The Spark Soldotna program is a annual event which allows entrepreneurs of all ages to share their ideas with members of the community, in hopes of being selected as the winner. The grand prize was $4,000 which would towards funding for the business.
According to Mayor Peter Micciche, this was his first time being a shark for the Spark Soldotna event. He says being a judge was extremely difficult, due to all the incredible business ideas being presented.
The runner’s up were Miss Elise’s, Soldotna Sit and Stay, Luxury Dog Boarding, and Educational Coaching.
“And I say runners up because it was very difficult to select the champion for this year. But I will tell you that the judges did support Alaska Big Sipper. Very unique business. We thought that the prize money would have the most significant impact,” said Micciche.
The entrepreneur that swam with the sharks and came out on top was 12-year-old Uniya Slattes, and her business idea, AK Big Sipper.
“I really look forward to the unique services of the Big Sipper because it’s something that families don’t have an opportunity to do. It’s a relatively low cost, a lot of dirty sodas and air fried comfort food. It’s affordable and it just there’s not a lot of places that families can get together and have. That kind of experience if you will, in a soda shop setting, so really looking forward to it,” said Micciche.
Slattes is hoping that this prize money can be used to invest in a food truck.
Although only one person could win, Micciche shares his excitement for the futures of the runners up.
“But I’m looking forward to being a customer of all four of those businesses, great ideas, great futures ahead for all of them.”
The Ak Big Sipper is located at 131 Warehouse Dr. in Soldotna. They serve air-fried foods such as hot dogs and waffle fries. Ak Big Sipper is best known for their wide variety of customizable drinks!
