That’s pretty gnarly, dude.
Gnarly Pepper, a company that offers healthy alternatives to traditional dips and condiments, won a $25,000 business grant from the OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit in Hiawatha, Iowa, on May 25. The pitch competition was sponsored by Hy-Vee Inc.
Based in Cedar Rapids, Gnarly Pepper was founded by Sara Larson. She completed the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s Venture School in Sioux City in 2017.
The pitch competition was held in conjunction with Hy-Vee’s OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit at the Kirkwood Community College Linn County Regional Center. During the event, 10 minority- and women-owned businesses were selected to showcase their products or services for a panel of judges. Eligible businesses offer retail-ready solutions in one of the following categories: food and beverage, product innovation and technology, health and beauty, sustainability, and service and entertainment.