$60,000 awarded at Palmetto Goodwill’s “Shark Tank”-style showcase for small business owners

March 11, 2025

Local entrepreneurs competed for investment funding at Palmetto Goodwill’s “Shark Tank”-inspired showcase. Five ambitious small business owners, representing the top graduates of our nonprofit’s intensive 12-week Microenterprise Accelerator Program (MAP), delivered compelling pitches before a panel of judges with $60,000 in funding at stake.

Each finalist presented their business pitch to a panel of judges:

Herbert Drayton III, managing partner at HI Mark Capital and former Palmetto Goodwill board chair.
Michelle Woodhull, president at Charming Inns of Charleston and Palmetto Goodwill board member.
Jackie Berger, executive director at Lowcountry Local First.

Judges Pannel

The five finalists and their businesses were:

NeighborCuts Landscaping – awarded won $25,000.
1. Owner: Odius Bonneau, former Palmetto Goodwill training participant.
2. About: NeighborCuts is a community-driven company helping others meet their lawn goals. Odius was the first in his family to attend college and become a homeowner and plans to use his funding to purchase equipment and build a staff.

The Art Couple Parties & Events LLC – awarded $15,000.
1. Owners: Rostina Mincey, Palmetto Goodwill team member, and husband Eugene Hardin.
2. About: The Art Couple brings a fun group painting experience to you, regardless of experience, skill, or creativity. Funds will be used to enhance paint party experiences for guests by adding new elements and offerings like a photobooth.

Sensational Spirits – awarded $10,000.
1. Owner: Kadeem Elmore, former Palmetto Goodwill training participant.
2. About: Sensational Spirts offers a premium mobile bar and beverage services to the Tri-County. Kadeem is enthusiastic about giving back to his community, growing his brand, and training new mixologists.
Sunset Studios – awarded $5,000.
1. Owner: Rodney Clay, former Palmetto Goodwill training participant.
2. About: Sunset Studios is an indie video game development studio dedicated to crafting immersive, story-driven games. Funds received will help fuel the studio’s first game, Escape Mars, that’s set to launch in the Fall of 2026.
Paula Jenkins Home Inspections – awarded $5,000.
1. Owner: Paula Jenkins, Palmetto Goodwill team member.
2. About: Paula provides thorough and timely professional home inspections for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners. Paula plans to use funding to market and grow awareness of her expertise.