Jackson Anderson, second from right, accepts the grand prize in The Idea Challenge on Dec. 14. (Submitted photo)

Just days before graduating from UW-Eau Claire, a local entrepreneur won a business idea competition with his plan for a swimming lesson and hydrotherapy startup.

Fitness & Strength Aquatics and its founder, Jackson Anderson, won the $5,000 grand prize in the annual Idea Challenge, rising to the top among five finalists who delivered their final pitches to a panel of industry experts on Dec. 14.

According to a media release form The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp., which sponsors the Idea Challenge, “Fitness & Strength Aquatics plans to bring private swimming lessons and hydrotherapy services to Eau Claire with the innovative use of an endless pool system.”

Anderson said he will use the grand prize money, which comes thanks to sponsor Northwestern Bank, to create a website and a digital scheduling system, as well as to put a deposit on an “endless pool” – a pool with a self-propelled current – when his business is ready to find a home.

“Thank you to everyone involved in putting The Idea Challenge together, this couldn’t have come at a better time, as I graduate (from UWEC) this Saturday!” he said.

In addition to Fitness & Strength Aquatics, this year’s finalists included:

• EloRose Diagnostic Ultrasound Direct-Pay Clinic (Jillian Rogers): A Sound Alternative for Affordable Ultrasound Imaging.
• Eau Claire Outdoors: Outdoor Rental Program (Kate Felton): Helping the Chippewa Valley discover new adventures by making outdoor gear cheaper and more accessible through a rental program which will provide high quality gear for kayaking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, and more!
• Planette Kids (Jill Heinke Moen): Downtown Eau Claire retails space that celebrates the whimsy and delight of the early years with ethically sourced, socially responsible, and/or eco-friendly children’s clothing and wares.
• Tiny Homes Saunas (Graham Barnes): Mobile sauna builder that uses materials from deconstructed buildings to create one-of-a-kind saunas for sale in the Midwest.

Since its founding in 2007, the Idea Challenge has invited Eau Claire-area residents to submit ideas for new products, processes, or services. The Eau Claire Area EDC then helps these aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of bringing their ideas into reality.

Learn more about the Idea Challenge at www.eauclaire-wi.com/entrepreneurs/idea-challenge.