Perkins Wins Maurice Hilleman Inspiration Prize
Winners of The Prospects, the Montana Chamber Foundation’s business pitch competition, were announced on March 12 in a virtual awards ceremony.
Culbertson’s Aiden Perkins won the Maurice Hilleman Inspiration Prize for his business plan entry titled “Aiden’s Custom Kicks.” He received a $500 award. Culbertson also had two honorable mentions: “Harlee’s Hen House” and P”ederson Brothers Mechanic Shop.”
Governor Greg Gianforte opened the ceremony by congratulating the students and sharing his own story of how he started his first business when he was 14. “As the next generation of Montana entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders, you represent our state’s future and its unbridled potential. You will make your communities stronger and create opportunities for others,” said Gianforte.
In November of 2020, the Montana Chamber Foundation launched its first statewide entrepreneurship competition for high school students inviting them to pitch new ideas and existing small businesses. The contest received 93 entries from 171 students across the state competing for over $50,000 in scholarships and cash prizes.
With categories like Best New Business Idea, Best Existing Business, Most Promise, COVID19 Inspired Business, students from rural and urban, Montana are connecting with industry experts through the Chamber Foundation for mentoring, internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities.
For more information, visit montanachamber. com/prospects.
