HOW IT
WORKS
Watch this short video to learn all about how IGNITE works! We'll walk you through what the competition is, the deadlines for each round, and the rules and requirements for entering your business. Good luck!
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:
JUNE 13, 2024
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:
JUNE 28, 2024
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. 2, 2024
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. 27, 2024
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. 10, 2024
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 2023
FINALISTS
10-39 CAFE
Chance & Brittney Bailey Jarrett & Audrey Mermis
GREYSTONE
Rob & Andrea Bauer
Matt & Dena Hiss
HATCHET AXTION
Sage Cauley & Johan Sanchez
MANASES TURF
Raza Manase & Kevin Manase
RÜHE DAY SPA
Danielle Lee
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!
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS
SPONSORS
