ABERDEEN, S.D. ¡ª Samantha Wipf was named the winner of the Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition, hosted by the Northern Innovation and Startup Center and Aberdeen Development Corporation.

With more than 30 business pitches submitted and five finalists presenting at the competition finals, Wipf's business, Optimal Performance, stood out for its innovative approach to physical therapy. She will receive a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

"It feels awesome. I'm very appreciative," Wipf said after the announcement. "I feel like I've worked very hard on this pitch. All the others did so well. And it's so fun.

"The prize money is going to give me a great boost to help expand and bring on another therapist and just make care more accessible in Aberdeen and in the rural communities," she said.

Optimal Performance offers one-on-one physical therapy services, specializing in orthopedics, sports and pelvic health. The business features unique manual techniques, such as cupping and dry needling, to accelerate recovery. Additionally, the clinic provides advanced recovery tools, including compression and contrast therapy, with access to an infrared sauna and cold tub.

"We're a little bit different at Optimal Performance. We are a private clinic, which means that we are working for the client and with the client, rather than that secondary insurance system dictating what we can and can't do," Wipf explained. "I get one hour ¡ª a lot of times more than one hour ¡ª directly with my clients. We can chat more, get a personalized plan of care, and cover multiple issues in one visit ¡ª whether it's knee pain, headaches or neck pain."

The other finalists who presented at the pitch competition were surprised when Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, announced that the other four finalists would receive $1,000 to help with their entrepreneurial journey. Those finalists include Robin Niewenhuis with Frodo, Shaun McNeely with Mattress Medic Mobile, Jonah Schmidt with TopDown Drone Services, and Samantha St. Clair and Nicholas Tucker with Sunrise Greens LLC.

"This year's finalist event surpassed any expectation we may have had," said Bea Smith, director of the Northern Innovation and Startup Center. "It was inspiring to witness five finalists take the stage to pitch their innovative ideas. The community's support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast South Dakota was evident, with more than 100 attendees celebrating these visionary entrepreneurs."

Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, echoed the excitement: "It was an awesome experience. The judges faced a tough decision choosing among the finalists, underscoring the high caliber of ideas presented. We're committed to supporting these entrepreneurs as they navigate the next phases of their business journeys."

The competition highlights the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Aberdeen, which continues to foster growth and innovation, helping local businesses like Optimal Performance expand their reach and impact.

For more information about the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition and upcoming entrepreneurial events, visit northernstartupcenter.com.