Enterprise Challenge

The registration cost for the Enterprise Challenge is $200. The estimated value of this competition is $2,500 in professional services.

• Instruction on business planning, marketing, financing, technology, and related topics
• Individual help sessions with experts in finance, marketing, law, and other business topics
• Feedback on plans submitted by judges who have practical business experience
• Opportunities to network and collaborate with other great entrepreneurs
• Significant publicity for your business through local media and other channels

The biggest benefit is that participants get the counsel and support they need to get their businesses off to a strong start. We designed the competition so that it helps all participants even if they don’t advance into the winner’s circle. By offering in-depth business workshops and individualized counseling to everyone in the contest, we are confident that our participants gain traction with their enterprise and learn what it takes to launch a successful business.

Entrepreneurs from all parts of Yakima and Kittitas Counties have boosted their businesses with the help of the Enterprise Challenge. You may recognize Whipsaw Brewing, Pearl Street Optical, Claim Clothing, Basecamp Outfitters, Make Music Ellensburg, Gallivant Chocolate, Closet Maestro, all businesses that entered the competition.

• Contestants attend online classes and tutoring sessions that help them develop their business plans
• Plans are submitted to judges who evaluate each enterprise*
• Contestants with the highest scores move on through rounds of the competition
• The competition features a pitch your business trade show and a final presentation round
• Winners are announced at an awards ceremony or via video depending on our current local health measures

*Judges use scoring criteria to evaluate contestants on how well they have thought through and developed their enterprise’s marketing, financing, management, and operations plans. These judges provide contestants feedback on their ventures and business plans which is invaluable information for anyone launching a new business.

Again, please note that there may be schedule changes and different ways we approach each round of the competition during the 2025 Enterprise Challenge. If you have questions about the competition or want more information, please email Darby Grimes at darby@kittitascountychamber.com.

The Enterprise Challenge is for individuals, teams, or start-up companies that are located in Kittitas County.  Participants must comply with the following:

• Teams and/or businesses must be based in and have 50% of the partners located in Kittitas County, Washington.
• The business must have been in operation for less than two years with gross receipts under $1 million, or it must be a new business venture.  Franchise and chains are not eligible. A supporting business license number or status documentation must be provided at registration.
• Businesses must be ‘for-profit’ enterprises.  Non-profits are eligible to compete in the contest but are required to produce “for-profit” financials and business strategies.
• Business plans may be submitted by individuals or teams.  Teams may have a maximum of three members.  All contestants must be over 18 years of age.
• The applicant and/or team member that is identified as the owner, or team lead, in order to advance to the final round of the contest, are required to attend the:
  • orientation
  • workshops, with one excused absence
  • Enterprise Trade Show
  • Final Presentation
• Contest judges will recuse themselves if he/she has a conflict of interest (i.e. family, financial, or business relationship).
  
• Judges’ decisions are final, including interpretation of the rules.
• Previous Enterprise Challenge participants may enter the contest with a different business; however, winners from previous Enterprise Challenges are not eligible.
• Winners will receive half their business investment following the awards ceremony and the other half at a mutually agreed upon business milestone noted in the business plan.  (i.e.- official opening of business, signed lease, payment system, website, etc).  An official agreement is signed by both parties prior to the investment distribution that includes the milestone that must be met during the current competition calendar year.

**In the event that the competition does not generate enough participants, Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to amend cash prize amounts or registration deadlines.

ROUND ONE:

Orientation | SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

WORKSHOP: BASIC START UP | SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

WORKSHOP: FINANCIALS 101 | SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

WORKSHOP: MARKETING 101 | SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

WORKSHOP: 1:1 Industry Professionals | SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

SUBMISSION: BUSINESS PITCH | SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 12 P.M.

BUSINESS PITCH JUDGING ORIENTATION | SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 | 2-5 P.M.

JUDGES SUBMIT SCORES | SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 | 10 A.M.

ROUND TWO:

ROUND 2 ANNOUNCEMENT | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

WORKSHOP: TRADE SHOW PITCH CLINIC | OCTOBER 1, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

WORKSHOP: MARKETING 201 & FINANCIALS 201 | OCTOBER 6, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

STUDY HALL (OPTIONAL) | OCTOBER 8, 2026 | 12-1 P.M.

SUBMISSION: BUSINESS PITCH | OCTOBER 13, 2026 | 12 P.M.

TRADE SHOW | OCTOBER 20, 2026 | 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

ROUND THREE:

ROUND 3 ANNOUNCEMENT | OCTOBER 22, 2026

WORKSHOP: BUILDING YOUR PITCH | OCTOBER 27, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

WORKSHOP: FINANCIALS 301 | OCTOBER 29, 2026 | 6-8 P.M.

STUDY HALL (OPTIONAL) | NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | 12-1 P.M.

SUBMISSION: FINAL BUSINESS PLAN | NOVEMBER 3, 2026 | 12 P.M.

FINAL PRESENTATION | NOVEMBER 10, 2026 | 12-5 P.M.

AWARDS CEREMONY | NOVEMBER 12, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 P.M.

Scoring Criteria