D.I.C.E. Challenge Awards $40,500 to Local Entrepreneurs

Six individuals or duos received funding for their business ideas.

Kari Craig (Batesville, IN) – The Dragonfly App™, a platform supporting parents and caregivers managing complex developmental and medical needs. Photo provided.

(Southeast Indiana) - Genesis: Pathways to Success is proud to share the success of the D.I.C.E. (Dreams, Ingenuity, Creativity, & Entrepreneurship) Challenge–Community Business Pitch Competition, held on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, from 5-9 PM at Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

The D.I.C.E Challenge brought together a group of passionate entrepreneurs from across Southeastern Indiana, each working toward launching or growing their business. The competition is designed specifically for early-stage founders, including ventures actively in formation and businesses operating for twelve (12) months or less as of April 2, 2026.

Each participant was given seven minutes to present their business, followed by eight minutes of live Q&A with a panel of five regional judges. Judges utilized a structured rubric to guide their evaluations and provide meaningful, consistent feedback. Funding was then awarded at the judges’ discretion, with a total of $40,500 going to this year’s finalists.

"Participating in the D.I.C.E. Challenge was an incredibly meaningful experience. It provided an opportunity to share a solution rooted in real caregiver needs, while also connecting with a community that values innovation and impact. The process itself challenged me to think more critically about the business, refine how I communicate the vision, and step outside of my comfort zone as a founder,” stated Kari Craig, owner of The Dragonfly App™. “Through that experience, I grew not only in how I present the solution, but in how I think about scaling it and bringing it to more families. The support and recognition from D.I.C.E. reinforces the importance of building tools that bring clarity to complex care, and I’m grateful to be part of an initiative that helps move ideas like this forward."

Congratulations to the 2026 D.I.C.E Challenge recipients. Funding was awarded as follows:

• $19,000: Kari Craig (Batesville, IN) – The Dragonfly App™, a platform supporting parents and caregivers managing complex developmental and medical needs.
• $8,000: Jodi Hussung (Aurora, IN) – Tallow Me Softly, LLC, a handcrafted skincare line made from locally sourced beef tallow.
• $5,000: Austin Ketcham (Madison, IN) – Rooftop on Main, LLC, a boutique hospitality concept reimagining a historic downtown building into a modern bed-and-breakfast.
• $4,000: Marlee & Jocelynn Lacey (Lawrenceburg, IN) – Lacey & Line Studio, a space where wellness, style, and community come together.
• $4,000: Paul Trossman & Zak Kirchgassner (Yorkville, IN) – Timeless Harvest Farms, LLC, a multi-generational farm-to-table business providing accessible and affordable meat and produce subscriptions.
• $500: Sarah Pulskamp (Batesville, IN) – The Connection Alliance, a collaborative hub where small business owners connect, share resources, and grow stronger together.

Funding awarded was made possible through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Community Collaboration Fund. Additional support from the Ripley County Community Foundation, CIVISTA Charitable Foundation, the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Batesville, The Friendship State Bank, and Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater helped strengthen and invest in the next generation of local entrepreneurs.

More than 50 attendees were present for the event, along with several regional support organizations, including the Indiana Small Business Development Center. Their involvement highlighted the strong network of resources available to entrepreneurs throughout the region.

Lori Rennekamp, Genesis: Pathways to Success’ Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator, stated, “The D.I.C.E. Challenge was an inspiring experience from start to finish. It takes an incredible amount of courage to not only pursue a business idea, but to step on stage, share that vision publicly, and take a chance without any guarantee of the outcome. We are so proud of each of these entrepreneurs. This event would not have been possible without the support of our community, our partners, and the many organizations that showed up to encourage and invest in these individuals. Our panel of judges brought a wealth of diverse experience and insight, and The Liberty Theater provided the perfect setting to bring it all together. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community rallies around its entrepreneurs.”

Beyond monetary awards, the D.I.C.E. Challenge serves as a launching point for continued support. All finalists will have the opportunity to participate in an ongoing cohort through Genesis: Pathways to Success, providing mentorship, resources, and peer collaboration as they continue building their businesses.

To learn more information about the D.I.C.E Challenge–Community Business Pitch, please contact Lori Rennekamp by emailing lrennekamp@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or stopping by the office at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN, 47006. Additional information may be found at https://genesisp2s.org/dicechallenge-community.