Congratulations to startup contest winners

The winner of the second 1st50k competition has been chosen from among applicants in 20 countries and 27 states.

Cape Girardeau business incubator Codefi announced last week that St. Louis-based startup Impress Software is the winner of a grant worth $50,000 and pro bono support services. The company is "tackling the increasingly complex problem that individuals and companies face assessing and matching talents and skills" during recruitment, the Southeast Missourian reported.

Impress co-founder Kyle Miller said the platform will automate the process of highlighting specific skills and linking them to project experience during a job search.

The 1st50k Competition Committee is in conversations with other finalists, and additional awards or investments may be announced later.

In the meantime, the next 1st50k competition is underway. Applications are due May 1.

Programs and competitions like 1st50k are important to the community's growth. Winners of the competition agree to locate or relocate their business to Cape Girardeau at least a year. This helps not only the business community, but the city in general by bringing in new homebuyers and generating tourism and publicity.

We congratulate Codefi on once again running a successful competition and Impress Software on their winning contest entry.