The top three include a marshmallow maker, ‘wrapper’ and cat creative

As the popular holiday song goes, ‘It’s a Marshmallow World’ for Cleveland Chain Reaction season six.

The Marshmallow of the Month Club is the winner of the $40,000 grand prize of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) pitch competition.

The maker of artisan marshmallows and gourmet cocoa was named the winner at the season finale Friday, broadcast live on “Kickin’ it with Kenny” on FOX 8 News in the Morning from the Ariel LaSalle Theatre in Collinwood.

Owner Saidah Farrell was speechless when Kenny and COSE executive director Megan Kim announced she was the winner.

“I’m just so grateful,” the entrepreneur managed to finally say. She plans to use the $40,000 to build out her new production facility, which will enable her to pitch her sweet goods to more than 10 additional vendors. She has already made plans to begin selling her products in the upcoming Meijer Fairfax.

It’s a Wrap LLC, a servicer of vinyl vehicle wraps, was named the second-place winner and received $20,000.

Owner Jeffery Jones was accompanied by his young daughter, Jordan, and mother Minnie Jones as he accepted his award.

“It’s an honor,” he proclaimed. “This will provide us with a much-needed infusion of cash.” His future plans include starting an academy to teach the skill of car-wrapping.

Crochet Kitty, maker of handcrafted cat toys was the third-place winner, receiving $10,000.

 “This means I can go to Pet Expo in Orlando in March,” enthused owner Abbie Swisher.

In a surprise move, the 15 remaining semifinalists received $1,250 grants funded by Cleveland Chain Reaction partners, Medical Mutual, Minutemen Family of Companies and MAGNET. 

“This season of Cleveland Chain Reaction had a true wow factor.  It is inspiring and energizing to work with such innovative and passionate entrepreneurs right here in Greater Cleveland,” said COSE’s Kim.  

The 18 semifinalists participated in a four-week bootcamp hosted by JumpStart. Business experts advised them on how to pitch their business, create a business plan, place value on their business and appropriately invest capital to take their business to the next level.

Last week, the entrepreneurs pitched their business to judges from Medical Mutual, Minutemen Family of Companies,  MAGNET, JumpStart and COSE.

The season six semifinalists included:

• 2 You Wines
• A Chiropractic Healing
• Aril Memorial LLC
• Carmella Marie, Inc.
• Crochet Kitty
• I Care Healthcare
• It's A Wrap LLC
• Great Lakes Watersports
• LaJAshley
• Lokul
• Marshmallow of the Month Club
• Mixology Incorporated
• Play Maysie: A Portable World of Play
• The Capsoul Collective, Inc.
• The T.U.L.S.A. Learning Center
• The Touch Of Teele’s Cleaning And Detail LLC
• YumVillage Cleveland
• ZuZu Chocolates

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with FOX 8 News in the Morning’s “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” This season of Cleveland Chain Reaction was sponsored by Medical Mutual, Minutemen Family of Companies and MAGNET. FreshWater Cleveland was the competition’s digital publication partner.