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Axelo uses 3D motion-sensing technology to help prevent injuries while playing sports and among the elderly. CEO Pierre A. Touma answered our questions via email.

Why the community rallied behind the business: "Everyone can relate to the need of a child being able to play sports safely and we all have aging parents who need to be safe while remaining independent and mobile," Touma wrote.

Biggest challenge: "The weak state of the economy in the years starting with 2008 was a major challenge," he said. "Also, widespread awareness regarding the risks associated with sports, such as traumatic brain injury, was weak."

What he plans to do with the grant money: "Axelo will be building a market-ready prototype for its traumatic brain injury and sports performance solution to be tested in a pilot program for the high school and college levels," Touma said. They also plan to develop a fall-detection product for nursing homes.