Elton entrepeneur’s insect repellant wins small business pitch competition

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The reality series “Shark Tank” has helped people launch their businesses globally. In Southwest Louisiana, Gator Tank gives local entrepreneurs a chance to win $2,500 to put towards their small business.

Gabriel Fontenot, the winner of this year’s Gator Tank competition, put his personal business Hunt Tech insect repellent in front of a panel of judges.

“I saw the opportunity online. I saw it applied for it and I’m ecstatic we got in,” Fontenot said.

Fontenot, who is from Elton, has been working on his product for about a year now using the McNeese SEED Center’s business incubator. Fontenot was inspired to make the product because his family hunts and insects have always been a problem in Southwest Louisiana.

“It feels great to win the Gator Tank. This is how we are putting our best foot forward in Lake Charles and Gator Tank is a great way to springboard that forward. There was some tough competition and we’re ecstatic to win,” Fontenot said.

Lake Charles officials said the city is happy to give small businesses a platform.

“Ultimately Hunt Tech won and Gabriel Fontenot’s presentation was just perfect. He really knows his product and I really believe that the mosquito repellent will transform how we utilize and consider insect repellent,” Kimberly Dellafosse, Lake Charles Assistant City Administrator, said.

The City of Lake Charles will host the event next year as part of LC Launch Small Business Week and they encourage people to join.

“Small businesses are in my blood. I want to see other small business owners utilize this opportunity and grow. Through Mayor Hunter’s vision and commitment, we focus on what we can do as a city to support small businesses,” Dellafosse said.

Hunt Tech is expected to fully launch in January 2025.

Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.