Public art made from retired wind turbine blades, custom fan experiences for professional sports teams, convenient Indian meals and handcrafted fruit spreads emerged as some of the region’s most promising business ideas as Greater Cleveland Partnership's Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and JumpStart Inc. announced the winners of the ninth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. 

The awards were revealed Thursday morning before a live audience at the Ariel LaSalle Theatre during FOX 8 News in the Morning's "Kickin' it with Kenny," capping off months of competition, mentoring and pitch preparation for 21 entrepreneurs from across the region. 

In all, four businesses shared $75,000 in prize money, with first-place honors and a $40,000 award going to Noblewins LLC, a company that transforms retired wind turbine blades into striking public art installations. 

Engineered 2 Entertain, which creates custom props, fan-engagement experiences and entertainment elements for professional sports organizations, earned second place and $20,000.  

Mouma's, maker of convenient Indian meal products, took home the $10,000 third-place prize. 

Judges were so impressed by this year's field that they added a special fourth-place award, granting Jam by Josh, producer of premium fruit spreads, an additional $5,000 prize. 

"This year's semifinalists brought forward innovative ideas, strong business plans and a clear commitment to growth," said Megan E. Kim-McGinty, executive director of COSE and executive vice president of small business, marketing and technology initiatives at Greater Cleveland Partnership.  Together, these business owners represent the creativity and ambition fueling Greater Cleveland's small business community." 

The competition is about far more than prize money. Before stepping onto the stage, all 21 semifinalists participated in a four-week boot camp led by JumpStart advisors, refining their business strategies and preparing for a two-day pitch showcase held July 22 and 23. 

The 17 remaining semifinalists each received $2,000 grants funded by Medical Mutual, COSE Benefit Plan, Minutemen Workforce Solutions and MAGNET, along with discounted advertising from Mimi Magazine and FreshWater Cleveland. Every participant also received a COSE membership and will continue to receive support from the program's partners.