ATLANTA—AloStar Bank of Commerce has awarded Forest, Va.-based NanoTouch Materials with its Rising Star Award. NanoTouch will receive a one-time $5,000 micro loan to address its business goals and needs. Recipients of the Rising Star Award are referred by their current banker and carefully selected by AloStar representatives.
NanoTouch Materials is a manufacturer of antimicrobial, self-cleaning touch point and “object resting area” products. These products include facility touch points such as door push pads and door handle wraps as well as portable products including travel, desk and snack mats. The company’s primary customer base includes the hospitality, travel, food service, healthcare and education industries.
NanoTouch was selected for the Rising Star Award based on a referral from its banker, Select Bank in Forest, Va. Select Bank is a community bank that provides financial services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and individuals.
“NanoTouch Materials is a classic example of how two smart entrepreneurs have created a product that is a game changer for key industries,” said Mike Thomas, CEO of Select Bank. “They offer a unique and innovative product line that has done well on the local level, but needed the capital to help them transition onto a national platform. Every bit of support will help them with this goal.”
Incorporated in 2012
Although incorporated in mid-2012, NanoTouch executives have been working on technology and product development for more than two years. Company owners Dennis Hackemeyer and Mark Sisson have already completed product development, independent laboratory testing and the fabrication facility. They also are projecting sales of $5 million to $10 million within the next three years and see opportunities for substantial penetration in its current target markets as well as building solid relationships with large distribution channels.
AloStar Bank of Commerce’s Rising Star Award was derived from AloStar’s mission to grow the people, financial institutions and businesses that comprise America. The award targets small start-up businesses that are in need of funding to grow their business. By working with the business’ referral bank to select the recipient, AloStar reaches every aspect of its customer base.
“We are thrilled to honor NanoTouch Materials with the Rising Star Award,” said Andy McGhee, president of AloStar Bank of Commerce. “They truly exemplify what it means when we say we grow the businesses that grow America.”
NanoTouch has plans to use the micro loan for immediate needs including sales and marketing. Future funding will be used to grow the retail division of the business.
Go to NanoTouch Materials.
