UNK’s Light It Up awards celebrate entrepreneurship in central Nebraska – UNK NEWS

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KEARNEY – Successful and aspiring entrepreneurs were recognized April 21 during the annual Light It Up awards ceremony at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Hosted by UNK’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, the event celebrates the vision, innovation and hard work of entrepreneurs and advocates who are making a difference in Kearney and throughout greater Nebraska.

The following awards were presented during the ceremony at Discovery Hall:

Student Entrepreneur Award
Fallon Wells, Flourish Floral Company

The winner of UNK’s Big Idea business pitch competition, Fallon Wells graduates next month with a degree in interior and product design and a minor in entrepreneurship. She’s returning to her hometown of Central City, where she’ll own and operate a flower shop.

“What truly sets Fallon apart is her commitment to her community. By choosing to invest in and sustain a local business in her hometown, she is helping preserve an important community staple. Her work ensures continued access to a service that brings people together during meaningful moments,” her nomination stated.

Emerging Entrepreneur Award
Connor Streit, PolyPath Med

Connor Streit, founder of PolyPath Med, earned the Emerging Entrepreneur Award for his efforts to reduce medical waste. His business focuses on repurposing unused sterile plastic from operating rooms, diverting thousands of pounds from landfills.

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award
Cody Lawson, 1to1 Technologies

Cody Lawson started his business as a teenager and has grown it into a multistate technology support and repair company known for its customer-focused approach and community involvement. The business has seven full-time employees and a new facility in Central City.

“Cody is our poster child for the entrepreneurial spirit,” his nomination stated. “He inspires others to take the leap and mentors those who attempt it.”

Entrepreneurship Advocate Award
Caleb Pollard, Valley County Economic Development/Ord Area Chamber of Commerce

Caleb Pollard serves as executive director of Valley County Economic Development, an organization formed through an interlocal agreement between the city of Ord, Valley County, Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Loup Valley Activities. Through coaching and regional partnerships, he has supported business growth across the area, helping generate millions in revenue and expand employment opportunities. An entrepreneur himself, Pollard co-founded Scratchtown Brewing Company in Ord.

“Caleb’s commitment to Ord and the Sandhills spans more than 25 years, beginning as a college student, returning after stints in Lincoln and Omaha, and planting deep roots with his family in 2008,” his nomination stated. “He draws an explicit parallel between his personal philosophy and community building: ‘I love to garden … you plant seeds with intention, and with a lot of patience and hard work, you hope that you reap a harvest. … We’re very intentional in taking a much longer view on how to build community.’”

Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Noah Young, The Shiloh Farm

A 2018 UNK graduate, Noah Young has built a large online following while promoting agriculture and homesteading education, reaching audiences worldwide. His Shiloh Farm social media accounts have more than 2 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, making him one of the most-viewed ag influencers.

“Everyone who has ever met him will tell you that his love for agriculture is real and that he really does want everyone to experience it,” his nomination stated. “I had the opportunity to travel with Noah this summer across many different states and was able to see the impact he has on people thousands of miles away.”