$25k Start-Up Challenge semi-finalists named

The five semi-finalists who will participate in this year’s edition of the Manchester Young Professionals Network New Hampshire Start Up Challenge business plan competition have been named by the organization.The semi-finalists will compete for $25,000 to help with their business start-up. They are:• Bartlomiej Sapeta: creator of laser-cut teaching templates for architectural design education.• Jute eCoCuffs (Neelima Gogumalla and Annelise Pitt): Maker of an affordable, functional and sustainable alternative to cardboard sleeves used to insulate hot beverage cups.• Nearby Registry (Allison Grappone): Provider of online gift registry service for independent retailers and service providers.• Say IT Write Communications (Danielle R. Grant): Communications firm specializing in Web content strategy and management services to help organizations to improve their Web content quality.• TRX Sports (Cameron Miner) Creator of “FLEYE” a video and GPS products and systems that allow sports enthusiasts to capture their experiences and share them online.The five semi-finalists received scholarships and attended the recent Stonyfield Farm Entrepreneurial Institute. Along with the scholarship, they also will receive guidance and support regarding important aspects of their business plan from SCORE mentors.Final business plans will be due on May 5. Of the submitted business plans, two finalists will be chosen to present their business plan to the challenge judges. Ultimately, one winner will be chosen to receive a $25,000 cash award and in-kind professional services and products donated by New Hampshire area businesses to launch their business.The winner will be unveiled at a reception on June 2nd at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.MYPN members and the public are invited to meet the semi-finalists and learn more about the competition at a meeting to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the newly rebranded abi Innovation Hub, 33 S. Commercial St., Manchester.For more information, visit www.mypn.org/nh-start-up-challenge.