FLOWERING SUCCESS. Anthony Nied, second from left, won the 2022 Idea Challenge for his small business, Flawn Flowering Lawn Kit. (Submitted photo)

A local startup that creates seed kits to create flowering lawns is the winner of the 2022 Idea Challenge, held annually by the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp.

After a Dec. 8 pitch session in front of industry experts, Flawn Flowering Lawn Kit was chosen as the winner, an honor that includes $5,000 for the business thanks to the sponsorship of Northwestern Bank.

Anthony Nied is founder of Flawn, which creates a custom blend of pollinator-friendly seeds that can be spread on top of existing lawns to ultimately reduce the costs of fertilizing, watering, and mowing.

According to a press release, Nied “plans to use the prize money to order new custom cut and printed packaging from a Wisconsin-based eco-conscious company that will allow consumers a completely sustainable, and even easier, way to apply their Flawn Seed Kit.”

Other finalists included the Eau Claire Refillery, a zero-waste refill store; Goatful Games, which has created a music-inspired board game; Peaace Tree Child Care Management, which provides expertise to those who want to open child care center; and Cereus, a software-as-a-service firm that helps websites comply with privacy laws.

The Idea Challenge is open to all local individuals or companies with new product or service ideas, and all finalists received $500 and several marketing and business services. Learn more at www.eauclaire-wi.com/entrepreneurs/idea-challenge.