The deadline to enter is July 1, 2025!
FINALE LIVESTREAM
ReWatch the IGNITE Finale from October 10th!
ROUND 1
Pitch Your
Business
You'll provide us with a 5-minute video pitch and a business plan. Need help with your business plan? We have professional help available at no cost!
DEADLINE:
JULY 1, 2025
ROUND 2
Professional Coaching
The top 25 participants will be selected to move on to round two. In this round, you will receive professional coaching to improve your business plan for round 3.
SELECTION:
JULY 8, 2025
ROUND 3
Semifinalist Selection
The top 10 participants are selected to move on to round three. At this point, you will be paired with a business mentor that will stay with you to the end.
SELECTION:
AUG. 4, 2025
SEMIFINALS
Committee Interviews
In the semifinal round, the top ten participants are interviewed by the IGNITE selection committee, with the top five advancing to the final round.
SELECTION:
SEPT. 26, 2025
FINALS
The Live Five
The top five participants will make a Shark Tank style pitch to a live audience during our finale event, held at the Crest Theater in Great Bend!
LIVE SHOW:
OCT. 9, 2025
IGNITE 2024 FINALE
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PARTICIPANT
TESTIMONIALS
Hear how IGNITE has helped past participants gain invaluable skills and knowledge for growing successful businesses.
"The mentorship we received throughout the process was invaluable. Hearing from another business owner who was open and honest with us helped us feel better equipped to start our business."
Andrea Bauer
Greystone
"The IGNITE competition was exhilarating, scary, and so much fun all at the same time. We learned so much through the different phases of interviews, and the night of the finale was incredibly memorable for us."
Brittney Bailey
10-39 Cafe
"Going through the IGNITE program helped give me more confidence, both professionally and personally. Our mentor also helped us a lot with new ideas, how to advertise, and general wisdom for running a business."
Johan Sanchez
Hatchet Axtion
MEET THE 2024
FINALISTS
FIRST RESPONSE CLEANING AND RESTORATION
Austin, Tallen, & Teresa Smith
PROPER BOARDS & PICNICS
Paxton Rein
RANA LUNA BALLOONS
Ana Hayson
RUHE RITUALS
Danielle Hunter
SUNDOWN AGRISUPPLY LLC
Matthew Gerritzen
WHAT IS OUR
GOAL?
To empower, support and cultivate entrepreneurs. 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.
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To bring new and innovative business ideas to Barton County that will provide new industry, new jobs and an entrepreneurship culture now and in the future.
START UP
SUPPORT
Click here to view available classes and trainings to help you in your start up business. Whether you're planning to compete in IGNITE or not, these classes are designed to help entrepreneurs thrive in the business world!
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THANK YOU
TO OUR GENEROUS
2024
SPONSORS
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