Great Bend Economic Development Inc. held the finals for its Ignite Rural Business competition Thursday night at the Crest Theater in downtown Great Bend. This is the program where entrepreneurs with new businesses or great ideas were encouraged to enter and compete for a portion of the $95,000 to be awarded during this week’s event. The winners were: Greystone, the development of the former Great Bend Masonic Lodge into an events center, with the $50,000 first prize; 10-39, the first responder-themed restaurant in Ellinwood, with the $30,000 second prize; and Hatchet Axtion, the hatchet-throwing venue in Great Bend, with the $10,000 third prize. In addition, 10-39 claimed the $5,000 People’s Choice prize. Also competing were Manase Turf and Rühe Spa. GBED President Sara Arnberger called the event a success, noting that a crowd of 225 packed the theater and another 1,200 streamed the event from home.
