(St. George, UT) - Three firms owned by local women were recipients of business development grants last week at an evening event hosted by Town & Country Bank. The first place “Taking Flight” grant of $2,500 was awarded by Town & Country to Filomena Diaz Johnson, owner/operator of Doggy Dude Ranch in Rockville. Two runner-up grants of $1,000 each were also awarded by Élan Woman and Utah Small Business Development Centers Network respectively to Heather Carter of Nature Hills Farm in Cedar City; and Lori Hanna of Perks! Expresso & Smoothies in St. George.

A panel of five judges evaluated applications from seventeen entrants seeking funds to help energize their businesses. Wendy Holt, Senior Vice President of Town & Country Bank’s Women’s Banking Group said, “Nearly all of the applicants had highly impressive business models, creating a daunting task for our judges. I was truly inspired by each lady’s presentation throughout the evening.”

Doggy Dude Ranch is an innovative canine destination for training, activities, education and boarding. Nature Hills Farm provides the community with local, fresh agricultural products. Perks! Expresso & Smoothies offers a variety of creative drinks tailored to each customer.