A Leonardtown, Maryland-based startup, Bon AppéSweet, has secured a finalist spot in the 2024 Grow-NY food and agriculture competition, a significant international contest designed to boost the food, beverage, and agriculture innovation sectors across upstate New York. The announcement was made by Empire State Development (ESD) and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA).
Bon AppéSweet, led by Thereasa Black, is distinctive for its woman-owned status and its commitment to providing sugar-free, date-sweetened chocolate products. This approach not only offers a healthier alternative to traditional sweets but also serves as an inspiration for underrepresented communities in the food tech sector. The company will present its business model and products in a live pitch on November 6 and 7 at the Grow-NY Summit in hopes of claiming the top prize of $1 million.
The competition, now in its sixth year, is a key component of New York State’s strategy to drive economic growth and innovation in the Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions. Empire State Development’s President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight remarked on the high caliber of participants this year, emphasizing the potential economic benefits and job creation expected from the innovators of the Grow-NY initiative.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball highlighted the state’s leading role in agricultural innovation, noting that the competition attracts high-growth businesses that are essential to strengthening the local food systems and advancing state economic goals.
This year’s competition saw 312 startups from around the globe, including 50 countries and 26 U.S. states, apply for a chance to win a part of the $3 million prize pool. The entries included a notable representation of diversity, with 44% of the applications featuring a female founder and 60% including founders from culturally diverse backgrounds.
A panel of 30 judges, equipped with extensive experience in regional economic development and the agricultural sector, reviewed the applications. Their expertise will continue to play a crucial role as they select seven winners from the top 20 finalists during the summit.
Grow-NY will distribute the awards as follows: one $1 million grand prize, two $500,000 prizes, and four $250,000 prizes, all aimed at fostering growth and innovation within the designated New York regions.
