IGNITE Rural Business

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Great Bend Economic Development presents IGNITE Rural Business. This competition exists to empower, support and cultivate entrepreneurs and foster new business in Great Bend and the surrounding area. Here in Barton County we strive to champion creativity and innovative thinking and compliment a project or idea with the tools, resources and investment necessary to see it thrive. We aim for this competition to be the first of many efforts to continue that mission in a positive and impactful way.

June 30, 2023 All application components due.

July 10, 2023 Up to 20 applicants will be selected to engage in a one-on-one meeting with a business planning professional here in Great Bend or virtually should you be outside of Barton County.

*In this phase, the business planning professional will assist in strengthening the the applicants business plan. The business planning professional will then assess all of the businesses on  innovation, creativity and long term business strategy and viability.

August 10, 2023 Up to 10 applicants that complete the pre-selection process will be selected as Semi-Finalists.

*In this phase, the semi-finalists will meet in person in Great Bend with the IGNITE jury. The semi-finalists will each be provided ten (10) minutes to present their company and to convince the members of the jury of the merits of their business concept. Every pitch will be followed by up to ten (10) minutes of Q&A conducted by the jury. The jury will assess all of the businesses on innovation, creativity and long term business strategy and viability.

September 8th, 2023 Up to 5 applicants will be chosen to continue on and compete at the live event on October 5th, 2023 as Finalists to see who will win big money to start their business in Barton County!

*Finalists will be required to present their concept in a live event. A tradeshow-like presentation and/or other innovative ways to show off your business concept are encouraged for this final round.