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San Angelo awards $100,000 in business-plan prizes; local shops among winners
Summary
The City of San Angelo Development Corporation and partners awarded $100,000 in grants in the 2025 San Angelo Business Plan Competition, naming Baron's Body Shop first place, Rooted Wellness Clinic second and Mad Messy third; winners described plans to invest in equipment and community services.
The City of San Angelo Development Corporation and competition partners awarded $100,000 in grant prizes at a Nov. 12 ceremony that recognized local entrepreneurs and students who supported the program.
Desiree Johnson, director of the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center, said the Norris Vincent College of Business and sponsoring organizations helped run the competition and that organizers received just under 40 entries this year. "As part of the mission of Angelo State University to produce highly competitive graduates, the business plan competition serves as an opportunity for a strong experiential learning environment," Johnson said.
Third place went to Mad Messy; the owner, who identified himself only as James, said the award will buy equipment to speed processes and improve employee productivity. "It's gonna be really beneficial for us," James said.
Rooted Wellness Clinic owner Melissa Jones said she will use her prize to purchase a hyperbaric chamber to benefit community health. "With this grant money, I plan on purchasing a hyperbaric chamber for the community," Jones said.
First place was awarded to Baron's Body Shop. Owner Richard Barone said the money will help the shop build a new paint shop and acquire a state-of-the-art paint booth to reduce turnaround times and better serve customers. "What we're gonna use the money for is to help the bottleneck in our industry," Barone said.
Organizers also thanked volunteer advisors and student interns, including Lucas Sampson and Mary Vu, who supported finalists. Johnson said finalists worked intensively on business plans and financials and that in-kind sponsorships supplemented the grant awards.
The ceremony included presentations of certificates to advisors and a brief reception for winners and guests.
The Development Corporation said it will host photos and refreshments in the lobby following the ceremony and continue outreach to the competition participants.
No formal board action was required for the awards at the meeting.
