BY KEITH LIPPOLDT
klippoldt@gbtribune.com
Who wouldn’t want an opportunity to win part of a $90,000 prize pack to start a new business or jumpstart a new, fledgling business? The opportunity for those that would like some prize money have until July 1 to get their applications into Great Bend Economic Development (GBED).
With the July 1 deadline looming, organizers of the IGNITE are inviting those with a business idea to enter the Shark Tank type contest that culminates in front of a live audience at the historic Crest Theater on Oct. 9. Not only will you have the chance to win the $50,000 grand prize, you will be educated by members of the Entrepreneurial Committee along the way. You will also receive valuable insight and feedback from business owners that have been through the start-up process and are willing to help you build yours.
“Right now we have 14 that have signed up,” GBED Communications Director Lee Ann June said. “They haven’t completed all their pieces yet, but many have been reaching out. I think we’ll be closer to 20, which is great. Twenty is a good number. Yes, people can start a business in Great Bend. A lot of them are just people that have a side hustle and they want to make it a real deal. This competition can help them.”
June explained this competition, now in its third year, is not just for start-up businesses, but for businesses that are less than five years old with under 10 employees as well. “This contest could provide a jump start for those new businesses to take them to the next level, or fast forward them to that next milestone,” she said.
The first steps of the process is submitting a business plan and a video presentation of your business dream. The plan will be studied by the committee where changes may be suggested. If your business makes it through the first round, you will be partnered with a business mentor to further shape your plan. Plus, a video of your business idea is another piece in the process.
“The business plan that you’re submitting doesn’t have to be, end all, be all,” June explained. “It’s going to evolve through this process, because we’re connecting you with mentors, with business planning consultants. I think people get stuck on the business plan. They think ‘I have a great idea. I just don’t have a solid business plan.’ If you have the bones of it, and you can submit a video that tells about the business and your passion for it, and what $50,000 would do for your business — that could take you to the next round and get you connected to a mentor.”
With four cash prizes available to the winners ($50,000 for first place, $30,000 for second, $10,000 for third and a $5,000 Peoples Choice award) not all hopeful businesses will leave with money, but they will have gained valuable business knowledge from participating in the process.
“The hoops we make them jump through, and the strings that are attached are all for the benefit of their business and for longevity and sustainability, because starting a business is tough, and this is giving them those resources and then the funds. I mean, $50,000, $30,000 and $10,000 could really make a difference,” June said. “And you’re getting those connections. And then there’s other funding sources. That’s a piece of what economic development does year round, helping those businesses that maybe the bank turned down. Well, there’s other funding sources that we have that is for entrepreneurship — Great Plains Development, Central Kansas Development and Network Kansas. We have connections to all those funds. So that entrepreneur, if their business plan is solid, they can still move towards that goal of starting a business.”
Greystone was the grand prize winner in the inaugural competition with First Response Cleaning and Restoration winning season two last year.
If you have additional questions about the entry process, contact GBED at 620-796-2407.
The following information was provided by GBED:
What IGNITE Is All About
• IGNITE is Barton County’s version of Shark Tank. It’s a business pitch competition that helps local entrepreneurs bring their ideas or new businesses to the next level with funding, exposure, and expert feedback.
• It’s open to entrepreneurs from concept to 5 years in business — whether you’re still shaping your idea or already running a business.
• The competition has $95,000 in prize money this year: $50,000 for first place, $30,000 for second, $10,000 for third, and a $5,000 People’s Choice award.
• These aren’t just symbolic prizes. The money is meant to move the needle — to help real businesses scale, launch, or grow right here in Great Bend.
Resources Beyond the Prize
• All participants gain access to business mentors, feedback from experienced judges, and connections that last far beyond the competition.
• We provide mentorship through each round, so you’re not doing this alone.
• The competition utilizes the VentureDash platform from Network Kansas. The platform provides structure, communication, and feedback.
Visibility & Validation
• Finalists present on-stage at the historic Crest Theater, with a full audience and livestream — an incredible chance to showcase your business publicly.
• Past contestants have gone on to secure partnerships, open storefronts, and grow new customer bases thanks to the exposure they received throughout this competition.
Designed to Uplift Entrepreneurs
• This competition is local, but not small. IGNITE is tailored to the needs and ambitions of business owners and startups.
• Whether your dream is a boutique, a restaurant, or a manufacturing business — we want to see it and support it.
Deadline approaching
• Round 1 deadline is July 1: Submit your signed rules & guidelines, business plan, and 5-minute video pitch. Keep in mind, the video pitch is only seen by the selection committee, and your business plan may change over the course of the competition.
• Up to 20 businesses can move on to Round 2, where they will be connected with a business mentor.
The People’s Choice Award
• A unique element: audience members get to vote for their favorite pitch in real time, with the winner receiving $5,000. Voting takes place during the live finals on Oct. 9.
• It brings the community into the competition and helps finalists build a following.
Community Impact
• Every person who competes in IGNITE is helping fuel a more vibrant Great Bend economy. When they succeed, we all succeed.
• We’ve already seen previous winners create jobs, collaborate with other local businesses, and inject new energy into our downtown and surrounding communities.
“IGNITE is more than a competition — it’s a launchpad. If you’ve got a dream or side-hustle, IGNITE can help make it real.”
