Photo by Joselyn King Carnetta Webb, left, owner of Unique Nails, and Aaron Varlas, owner of the Dunnage LLC screen printing shop, jointly hold the winner’s check after being announced as co-winners of the Show of Hands business competition Wednesday night.

WHEELING — Two Wheeling businesses will share in the winnings from Wednesday night’s Show of Hands competition organized by Wheeling Heritage.

Aaron Varlas, owner of P.M. Dunnage LLC, and Carnetta Webb, owner of Unique Nails, will split the $4,125 prize check after a counting of ballots revealed both had received the same number of votes from those in attendance.

It was the first time in the 11 year history of Show of Hands that the voting ended in a tie, announced Riley Carpenter, program director for Wheeling Heritage.

The competition works as follows: four finalists are selected to give business presentations to an audience telling them of an idea they have to start, improve or expand their business.

Those attending pay $5 at the door to receive a dinner and a ballot upon which to vote whose presentation they think is worth investment. The winners take home the money paid at the door, as well as that provided by sponsors.

Orrick is the main sponsor of the competition, which took place at the Wheeling Artisan Center.

Other businesses competing Wednesday night were Ashley Sutton owner of Moonlight Intimate Apparel, and Nic Provenzano, owner of Outdated Threads vintage clothing store. Both businesses are located in Center Market.

Varlas — who runs P.M. Dunnage LLC out of his home in Warwood — specializes in sustainable, in-house custom screen printing and design.

“I just thank the community for coming out and showing their faces while I showed mine for the first time in so long — and for the support,” he said.

Varlas plans to use the money on marketing and expanding his product line. He wants to grow his offerings to involve vinyl transfers, water-based screen printing and embroidery.

“I want to appeal to people who want more than just water-based t-shirts,” he explained. Varlas also plans to offer more products, including polos and hats.

Webb’s Unique Nails shop is located within Market Plaza in downtown Wheeling.

She thanked those present for their support, and spoke of what she will do with her winnings.

“I’m going to try to get some traveling nail desks, and so I can go out and do outreach for those who can’t come to the shop,” Webb explained.

She has plans to take the traveling nail desk to schools to help youths learn to do their nails before major events like proms and dances.

Webb also wants to do outreach to nursing homes and do the nails of seniors who want to feel special.