Innovative Grant Program Supports Local Entrepreneurs in Transforming Ideas into Successful Businesses
BATTLE CREEK, MI, UNITED STATES, June 5, 2024/- 3Eye Technologies, a leading distributor of mobility and security solutions, is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Oculus Fund startup grant. The grant, totaling $20,000 for 2023, was awarded to outstanding startup and early-stage businesses in Battle Creek, Michigan.
After a rigorous selection process, three finalists emerged as standout innovators in their respective fields:
- House of Wraps – A pioneering car wrapping service that combines cutting-edge technology with artistic flair to transform vehicles into stunning works of art.
- Echo19 Audio – A trailblazing company focused on hyper-realistic aircraft audio reproduction, delivering immersive sound experiences like never before.
- Blinderville – A fresh perspective on online dating, utilizing innovative features to foster meaningful connections in the digital realm.
The competition culminated in a grand finale event where each finalist presented their vision and business plans to a panel of esteemed judges. After careful deliberation, House of Wraps was awarded the first prize, receiving a check for $15,000 to fuel their growth and innovation. “Winning the Oculus Fund grant is a game-changer for House of Wraps. This support will allow us to accelerate our growth and bring our unique car wrapping services to even more customers,” said Connor Plasencia, CEO of House of Wraps.
Echo19 Audio secured the second prize, earning a check of $5,000 to further develop their groundbreaking audio technologies. “We are honored to receive this recognition from 3Eye Technologies. The Oculus Fund grant will enable us to continue pushing the boundaries of audio technology and deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers,” said Tyler Bolhuis, CEO of Echo19 Audio.
“This year’s Oculus Fund grant was a testament to the incredible talent and innovation present in Battle Creek’s startup ecosystem,” said Conor Macfarlane, CEO of 3Eye Technologies. “We are thrilled to support House of Wraps and Echo19 Audio as they continue to push boundaries and drive positive change in their industries.”
The grant program, now in its third year, aims to empower local entrepreneurs and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Battle Creek and beyond.
“Being a finalist in the Oculus Fund grant has been an incredible journey for Blinderville. This experience has validated our vision for revolutionizing online dating, and we are excited to continue our mission.” said Joon Park, CEO of Blinderville.
Watch The Finalist's Pitch Presentations
For more information about the Oculus Fund and to access the application form, please visit: https://www.3eyetech.com/oculus-fund/ 2024 grant applications are now open!
About 3Eye Technologies
3Eye is a value-added distributor of innovative mobile computing, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and world-class services. Founded in 2010, we have grown to more than 3,000 resell partners, integrators, managed service providers, and managed security service providers.