CDA Fast-Track Business Challenge Finalists Announced!
The countdown is on! The CDA is thrilled to announce the finalists for the Fast-Track Business Challenge, where local innovators will compete live for top honors on October 9th at the CDA’s brand-new Agency office, located at 100 5th Ave E., Shakopee, MN.
This high-energy pitch event showcases some promising startups and small businesses in Scott County, each tackling real-world challenges with creativity, grit, and fresh ideas. From smarter healthcare to bug-busting solutions, these finalists are ready to impress. Meet them below!
Alure LLC – Shakopee, MN
Say goodbye to Japanese Beetles once and for all! Alure has engineered a clever mesh-based device that lures and eliminates these invasive pests in just 30 seconds, without chemicals, messy traps, or harm to pollinators. Their innovation is a game-changer for Minnesota gardeners who’ve struggled each summer to protect their lawns and flowerbeds.
Founders: Aditya Prabhu, James Duquette, Mo Hammadelniel
Axam AI – New Prague, MN
AI isn’t just for tech giants anymore. Axam AI has built a no-code platform that lets small and medium-sized businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence, without huge IT budgets. From streamlining logistics to predicting supply chain snags, Axam AI helps companies stay lean, competitive, and future-ready.
Founder: Jeremy Krocak
John’s Boiler School – Savage, MN
With over 3,500 graduates and a 95% pass rate, John’s Boiler School is the Midwest’s trusted leader in boiler operation training. Students from Minnesota to Ohio have relied on John’s expertise to prepare for high- and low-pressure boiler licenses. Now offering Spanish-language courses, John’s Boiler School continues to raise the bar for workforce training.
Founder: John Glynn
My Little Venture – Shakopee, MN
What if kids could learn entrepreneurship by running their own mini-businesses—safely? My Little Venture is a fun, parent-guided online marketplace where kids sell their creations, track their sales, and pick up valuable financial literacy skills along the way. Parents get peace of mind, and kids get a head start on real-world business smarts.
Founders: Summer Miller & Ericka Merrick
My NP Direct Primary Care – Shakopee, MN
Healthcare reimagined! My NP Direct is a nurse practitioner-led clinic that puts patients first through affordable memberships, extended appointments, and whole-person care. From acupuncture to nutrition therapy, the clinic’s holistic approach shifts the focus from “sick care” to true wellness.
Founder: Jessica Fashant-Peterson
This event wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our sponsors:
- SMSC
- MVEC
- Minnwest Bank – New Prague
- City of Prior Lake
- Larkin Hoffman
- Neon Lizard Creative
- Center for Entrepreneurship Virtual Membership
- Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce
- New Prague Chamber of Commerce
- Shakopee Area Chamber of Commerce
- Savage Chamber of Commerce
- Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce
- Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for October 9th and join us in cheering on these bold entrepreneurs at the CDA’s New Agency office in Shakopee. The Fast-Track Business Challenge is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and the future of business in Scott County. Who will take home the top prize? Come find out!
This event is open to the public, with pre-registration on Eventbrite at:
https://ScottCountyFASTTRACK.eventbrite.com
