Great Bend Economic Development’s IGNITE Rural Business competition for 2025 has named the 10 finalists who will vie for a share of $95,000 in prize money.

Now in its third year, the competition invites startups to submit a business plan and a five-minute pitch. The 10 finalists will gain access to business mentors and planning consultants while receiving exposure.

This year’s competition will culminate in a high-energy live finale in October, where finalists will pitch to a panel of judges and a live audience. One business will walk away with the grand prize of $50,000, with additional prizes of $30,000 and $10,000 awarded, plus a $5,000 People’s Choice Award.

Here are the names of the businesses and contestants, with a brief description of each as provided to IGNITE:

Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Co., by Allie Cartwright - The business offers gourmet cheesecakes and cheesecake-themed treats in a wide variety of flavors and sizes, available for pickup, delivery, wholesale, and on the go with their mobile concession trailer. They have been in business for 2.5 years.

Happy Girl Flower Shop, by CC Radenberg - This full-service floral shop offers unique and custom flower arrangements for weddings, celebration of life, quinceañeras, baby showers, and for every occasion or everyday needs. They also offer bobo balloon gifts and a balloon arch decorating service. They specialize in flower preservation and resin flower art. They have been in business for 1.5 years

The Fiesta Cart With Dani LLC, by Daniela Yazmin Garcia - This is a mobile, self-made, artisanal dessert cart based in Great Bend. They serve a wide variety of mini pancakes options with bold, creative toppings inspired by both American classics and Mexican treats like Churro, Mazapán, Gansito, Cookies & Cream – even the classical childhood favorite, Fruity Pebbles – and more. Their cart pops up at events, markets, parties, and schools, bringing a festive experience to each location. They’ve recently expanded to offer protein and gluten-free options, along with mini tres leches cakes, loaded cheesecakes, and rentable carts for any events, including a shots cart and esquites (Mexican corn) cart. “Our goal is to bring joy, flavor, and culture to every corner of our rural community,” Garcia said.

Kansas CPR Training, by Dean Nuss - In business for four years, Kansas CPR Training provides CPR and first aid training to individuals and company employees.

Let’s Play Cafe, by Erica Valles - Valles says Let’s Play Café will be a vibrant and interactive space where children can unleash their creativity through imaginative play, featuring themed zones such as grocery stores, mechanic shops, restaurants, and more – each designed to stimulate learning and social development. While kids explore and role-play, parents can unwind in a cozy café setting, enjoying freshly brewed coffee, light snacks, or catching up with friends. It’s the perfect blend of fun and relaxation for families.

Tailored Financial Solutions, by Lance Taylor - TFS delivers financial clarity through bookkeeping, financial modeling, and fractional CFO services. They empower businesses to make confident, data-driven decisions. They use the latest and greatest technology and provide custom AI agents for clients.

Tankquility Aquarium, by Brad Fanshier - This retail aquarium store in Great Bend features freshwater and saltwater fish, plants and invertebrates, as well as all supplies and accessories related to the aquarium hobby.

The Bin Wranglers, by Wrangler Walker - They are a residential waste management company in Great Bend specializing in high-quality service and cleaning. They roll customers' cans out on trash day, take the trash, and roll the cans back up to the house. They also deep-clean the can every three months.

Coach K9 Training by April Steinert - Coach K9 Training Academy is a professional dog training business dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships. It focuses on training techniques that encourage obedience, socialization and confidence in dogs of all breeds and sizes. They emphasize a personalized approach to meet the unique needs of each dog and its family, fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. They have also added dog grooming to the list of services and are looking to add other pet services.

Great Bend Play Place by Billy and Kassandra Eldridge - This is an indoor children’s play center.