JACKSON - The Jackson Business Development Committee has announced two winners in the 2022 Jackson Business Challenge.
Midwest Eco-Mercantile was named the overall winner.
Owner Jenna Schwartz will receive the first-place prize package worth $20,000, gaining both monetary and professional assistance.
A&B Photography, owned by AJ and Bridgette Lusk was named runner-up and will receive a prize package of $7,500.
Midwest Eco-Mercantile is the third challenger to win in the four years of the program.
The R.E.S.T Stop opened in 2020 and Level 10 Fit opened in 2021.
“The JBDC is especially excited to be a part of two local businesses’ dreams this year,” said JBDC President Lynae Tucker-Chellew. “Midwest Eco-Mercantile brings fresh cost-saving ways to replace items we already use.
“A&B Photography is expanding to include everything a bride and groom could imagine for customized gifts and signage along with their photos. No wonder the judges couldn’t pick just one.
Midwest Eco-Mercantile will offer products and education to help people lead more sustainable lives.
They will have an online store opening this spring and the retail shop will open this fall. They will offer kitchen and bath goods to handmade upcycled décor and accessories. Regular updates will be available at https://midwestecomercantile.com.
“I am so honored to win the Jackson Business Challenge and eager to build a community around sustainability in Jackson,” said Midwest Eco-Mercantile owner Jenna Schwartz.
A&B Photography is a locally built photography & laser engraving business that specializes in weddings with photography and their photo booth. They also cover special events such as newborn, seniors, family and more. They added the laser engraving business to expand and cover customizable items for special occasions, local businesses and corporations. They
plan to have a retail space along with their photography studio.
“The Jackson Business Challenge is a great way for small businesses to get started and we thought with the expansion of our business, it would help us for increased exposure to the community.” said Bridgette Lusk, co-owner of A & B Photography.
Both businesses are finalizing locations and are anticipated to open by Sept. 1.