The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
The U.S. Small Business Administration selected CJ Scarlet, founder of Clayton company Tiger Eye Sensor, as one of 15 finalists in the InnovateHER Business Challenge, a competition for entrepreneurs who develop products and services that enhance the lives of women and their families.
“The incredibly innovative entries we received from all across the country are a testament to the genius of America’s entrepreneurs,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet in a press release. “We received so many thoughtful business ideas it was difficult to narrow them down to just fifteen finalists.”
Scarlet, a veteran and former director of victims issues for the North Carolina attorney general, created a wearable device about the size of a quarter that will call police and start recording video footage when a wearer yells “help.”
An executive committee of SBA officials reviewed the about 75 semifinalist nominations and selected 15 finalists. Finalists will pitch their products and services to a panel of judges in Washington D.C., on May 8 and compete for the top three awards and a total of $30,000 in prize money.
