PROVIDENCE – (April 24, 2024) – A revolutionary relaxation device placed into the mouth that uses light airflow to guide users through pre-programmed patterns that are calming, targeted, and science-backed was announced the winner of the 2024 Rhode Island Business Competition. Greg Calderiso, Founder of Just Breathe, was one of the three finalists who competed against over 25 applicants for awards totaling over $70,000 in cash and prizes. The awards ceremony was held at Venture Café.

In a joint statement, RIBC Co-Chairs Peggy Farrell, Partner at Hinckley Allen, and Anthony Mangiarelli, Partner at KLR, noted "We are so excited to showcase these businesses tonight. Each year the quality of the candidates improves, making the judges’ decisions that much harder. It is important for us now to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these talented entrepreneurs and we look forward to seeing them continuing to succeed."

The following are the other two finalists for this year's Competition:

MittyPak is a game-changing solution for age and mobility related female incontinence. Principal applicant: Peg Fradette

Wingspans is an immersive platform that leverages storytelling and AI to build a new and diverse future of work. Principal applicant: Lindsay Kuhn

Serving as judges for this year are:

• Bob Chatham, Director at Slater Technology Fund
• Peggy Farrell, Partner at Hinckley Allen
• Meaghan Krupa, Partner at Hinckley Allen
• Anthony Mangiarelli, Partner at KLR
• Aidan Petrie, Founding Partner of the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC)
• Jennifer Rousseau, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Delta Dental of RI
• Annette Tonti, Managing Director at RIHub

The prizes consisting of cash and in-kind services are provided by dozens of sponsors, including banks, investors, colleges and universities, professional services firms, non-profits, construction, health related, software, retail, and other businesses as well as former competitors.

Sponsors of the 2024 Rhode Island Business Competition

Pillar sponsors are Bryant University and Everhope Foundation. Other lead sponsors include Envision Technology Advisors, Hinckley Allen, KLR, and Sprout Coworking.

Also sponsoring are Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, FM Global, and Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

Additional sponsors include Bank Rhode Island, Bristol County Savings Bank, Business Development Company, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Dimeo Construction Company, Navigant Credit Union, Peter George, Slater Technology Fund, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, Washington Trust, BankNewport, Blount Fine Foods, Brain for Rent, Brown University Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, Cherrystone Angel Group, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at CCRI, Hope Global, and Morgan Stanley - Richard Carriere. Our growth partners are MassChallenge, New England Medical Innovation Center, RIHub, and Venture Café Providence.

The Rhode Island Business Competition fosters development of companies by inviting emerging and established entrepreneurs to submit ideas for a business, in any industry, that is based in Rhode Island and has strong growth potential. The most promising ideas will receive cash and services. The Competition is supported by a broad range of sponsors that include private businesses, investors, foundations, colleges and universities, public entities, nonprofit organizations, and former competitors. Today, we are one of the leading community-supported business competitions in the Northeast.