Entrepreneurs sought for Republic's 35 under 35 contest

Three expert judges are beginning to review applications for The Arizona Republic's 35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger contest, which recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs in the state. 

The deadline has been extended for entries, which now will be accepted online through 5 p.m. Oct. 3.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the honor. Past winners represent diverse fields spanning finance to food and beverage. The competition recognizes innovation, hard work and success. 

The judges for this year's contest include: 

• Kerwin Brown, president/CEO of The Black Chamber of Arizona and a board member and treasurer and Western regional director for the U.S. Black Chamber Inc. He also has experience with Nationwide Insurance. It is Brown's first time serving as a judge in this contest. 
• Tim Kelley, assistant professor of entrepreneurship and economics at Grand Canyon University. Kelley also is chairman of the Canyon Angels investment group. He also is chief operating officer for a private-equity group and co-owner of Little Big Minds Spanish Immersion Preschool. 
• Sidnee Peck, a faculty associate who has served as director of entrepreneurial initiatives at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business. She also is CEO at Smart Brain Aging Inc., which runs a program to help dementia patients. 

"Personally, I look for someone who is devoted to their business," Peck said of her experience judging past 35 under 35 contests. "Someone who has commitment and effort that you can see. That this is their full-time gig, they are all-in." 

She said she also looks for companies with at least some early-stage revenue. 

"That shows it is a business model with some traction and there is a market for it," she said. "I also look to see that these are individuals who are committed to making Phoenix a better place through their business." 

Past honorees of Republic's '35 Entrepreneurs' contest having a strong year

Kelley, who also has served as a judge for the contest in past years, said he looks first at what problem the business is trying to solve. 

"To what degree does that problem impact people's lives, and then how many people are affected?" he said. "And what is the viability of this individual or team to implement the solution they are proposing." 

He said the most common problem he sees with early-stage companies is that they have not sought enough outside perspective. 

"They have not spoken with people outside their own circle to validate that problem," he said. "They tend to spend too much time driving toward a solution they have already contemplated, rather than developing a deep understanding of the problem itself." 

The three judges will be joined by staff members of The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in selecting the honorees. 

Contest nominations

Apply for the 35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger contest, or nominate others, at 35under35.azcentral.com.