Celebrating Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition

The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs (BCE) proudly hosted the 2025 Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition on April 29, 2025, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of emerging entrepreneurs in our region. This annual event not only celebrates entrepreneurial spirit but also underscores the vital support systems that nurture business growth in our community.

Meet the Winners

  • 1st Place: Furry Tales Mobile Workshop
    A mobile stuffed animal workshop housed in a themed bus, Furry Tales offers children creative, story-based experiences at events, emphasizing joy, literacy, and eco-conscious fun.

  • 2nd Place: Worship Wearables
    An online Christian apparel brand, Worship Wearables features licensed lyrics from contemporary Christian music, providing faith-inspired fashion and lifestyle products for daily worship expression.

  • 3rd Place: Empowering Integration Solutions (E.I.S.)
    E.I.S. offers Creole/French interpretation, workforce training, and cultural consulting to support immigrant integration in Ohio, focusing on underserved communities with flexible, community-rooted services.

Acknowledging All Participants

We commend all participants for their innovative ideas and commitment:

  • Adkins Entertainment LLC: Operators of “Abstract Space,” a flexible venue rental business in Ottawa, Ohio, with plans to expand into retail and residential rentals.

  • A-Z Woodworking: Based in Ada, Ohio, specializing in handcrafted custom wood products, aiming to expand into full kitchen cabinetry.

  • Zac Kohli Realtor Corp: A real estate business focused on personalized residential and commercial property services across Ohio.

The Role of the SBDC at Rhodes State College

A cornerstone of this competition is the Small Business Information Series, a prerequisite for participants, offered by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Rhodes State College and hosted locally by BCE. The SBDC provides free, confidential business consulting and training to new and existing entrepreneurs in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Hancock, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, and Van Wert Counties. Their services include business start-up planning, financial analysis, strategic marketing planning, market research, loan packaging assistance, and cash flow analysis.

By equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge, the SBDC plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and job creation in our region.

Gratitude to Our Judges

We extend our sincere thanks to our esteemed panel of judges for their invaluable insights and support:

  • Larry Triplett: Entrepreneur with ventures including Yodel.Today, and son of Ropp Triplett, one of BCE’s founders.

  • Jed Metzger: Former CEO of the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and current CEO of the Lima Chamber Foundation.

  • Tammy Gladwell: Vice President at Diamond Manufacturing of Bluffton, member of the Allen Economic Development Group Board of Directors, and Secretary of the BCE Board of Directors.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition highlighted the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within our community. We look forward to continuing our support for local entrepreneurs through resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

For more information about the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs and upcoming events, visit blufftonce.com or contact us at [email protected].