LLETMI Nutrition Update 2023
Awardee year: 2021-2022
Business Name: LLETMI NUTRITION
Personal Email: amudig@outlook.com.
Llet-Mi Nutrition specializes in providing healthy, delicious, and nutritious millet-based cookies. Our cookies are made with the finest ingredients that are carefully selected for their quality and health benefits. We offer three varieties of flavors, including classic chocolate chip, cashew almond, and coconut, and they are available in two sizes, regular and mini.
Team Leader Name: Akshit Mudigonda
School: Shepherd University
Major: Business administration/Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Martinsburg, WV
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/akshit-mudigonda-80655a1a6
2023 Update:
Since participating in the 2021-2022 West Virginia Business Plan Competition what are the greatest impacts you and your business have experienced thus far?
As a result of participating in the 2021-2022 West Virginia Business Plan Competition, we have experienced several significant impacts on both our personal and professional life. These impacts include:
Strengthened Business Model: Participating in the competition has allowed us to refine and strengthen our business model for LLET-MI NUTRITION. By receiving feedback from judges and mentors, we were able to identify areas that needed improvement and make necessary changes to their strategy.
Increased Networking Opportunities: Participating in the competition has provided us with numerous opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors. Through these connections, we have learned from others’ experiences and received valuable advice and guidance.
Access to Resources: We have utilized several statewide resources like Shepherd University, WV Entrepreneurship ecosystem, SBDC, WVDA, RCBI, 3step2startup, WVU Launchlab, and others to help with our business development. Participating in the competition has allowed us to gain access to these resources and receive support in our entrepreneurial journey.
Increased Confidence: Participating in the competition and receiving recognition as a finalist has undoubtedly boosted our confidence in our abilities as an entrepreneur. This increased confidence has allowed me to tackle challenges with more ease and take risks that I may have been hesitant to take before.
New updates to the original products since starting the competition: After proposing a plan to offer a diverse range of snacks last year, we have now shifted our focus solely to millet-based cookies. This strategic move will prevent us from getting sidetracked and allow us to concentrate on serving our target market effectively. By focusing on a specific product, we can develop high-quality cookies that align with our brand identity and cater to the needs of our customers.
coaches or mentors: I am fortunate to have connected with a few coaches and mentors who have been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey. Jim Dovel (Shepherd University), Michele O Connor (WVJIT), Deacon Stone (RCBI), Todd Crump (SBDC), Carol Goolsby (SBDC), and Frank Goldsborough (SBDC) are some of the experienced professionals who have provided valuable support and guidance .
Outside investment since the competition: We recently got approved for technical assistance funding from Wv Jobs and Investment Trust. Also, Friends and family have been very kind and supportive.
Funding received from BPC and/or from outside investors: USD 7,500
Latest Updates: It has been an incredible journey since I first embarked on my entrepreneurial venture, and I am proud of how far I have come. From the early stages of ideation and strategy development, to conducting extensive research and networking with industry experts, I have poured my heart and soul into bringing my vision to life. After many trials and tribulations, I am thrilled to announce that the launch of my millet-based snack brand LLET-MI Nutrition is just a few weeks away. I am excited to see how the market receives our product. Although there is still much work to be done, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and I am grateful for all of the support and guidance that I have received along the way. I am looking forward to what the future holds and to continuing to grow and evolve as an entrepreneur.