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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – A Grand Island woman took a big step forward in opening her own business Monday night.
Danielle Helzer won Big Idea Grand Island with her pitch for Rooted Books and Gifts, which she hopes to open in 2024.
She was one of several people trying to sell their idea at Kinkaider’s. The contest is patterned after the reality television program “Shark Tank.” Nine finalists had two minutes to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges, who picked the top five then it was up to the attendees to choose a winner.
Helzer said there were so many great business ideas presented so she was in shock and awe.
For taking first place, Helzer won $5,000 and various services, which will help make her dream a reality.
She said they want to create an independent book store with new books and gifts.
“We really want to create a space that is rooted in our community so we want to curate our selection to things our community would like,” she added. “It’s really important that we have books in multiple languages but that it’s more than a retail place.”
Helzer hopes it’s a place that people can come and feel welcomed and connections to the community.
She said they filed their LLC and signed a lease for a space at 315 N Locust St.
“It’s really incredible to have the support of the local community to be able to create something for our local community,” Helzer added.
Simmons Sweets Mobile Treats won second place while Indo-Archipelago took third place.
Central Community College Grand Island’s Entrepreneurship Center hosted the event.
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