Think Local First and local business incubatorNURISH's StartUp Kitchen competition is back for round two; this time around, all entries are dessert concepts. (DC Dosa won thefirst competition.) Three finalists will be competing Monday in a Shark Tank-style competitionat Tabula Rasa on Barracks Row. The winner will get to "incubate"-- create and run their business--for eight weeks inside of Hello Cupcake with owner Penny Karas, left,serving as mentor. Finalists will be judged by a panel of industry experts on strength of business plan, financial competence, viability of their concept in the DC market, passion for their concept, and quality of product.

Finalist #1: Thunder Pig Confectionery by Meg Murray (one pic up). A catering company specializing in high-quality, organic confections, including marshmallows, caramels, brittle, chocolates and other candies.
Finalist #2:Baked by Yael by Yael Krigman (left). Focusing on cake pops, Yael also offers New York-style bagels, rugelach, black-and-white cookies, and more. Seeour story last yearon her innovative way of skirting the brick-and-mortar challenge.
Finalist #3: S'mores Amore by Nadia Mitchem (right). A line of creative flavor combinations inspired by the campfire classic using all-natural ingredients and gelatin-free marshmallows.

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Send tips, story ideas, and business proposals to Alia.Khan@bisnow.com.