Deadline for 2024 RISE Challenge applications was 10/25/23
To learn more about the competition, download the information packet for 2024.
Additional information is on our Competition page.
Have a question?
COMPETITION
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Oct 25, 2023
October 2, 9, 16, 23
October 26, 2023
November 7, 2023
November 14, 2023
January 2, 2024
January 16, 2024
February 5-16, 2024
March 7, 2024
March 21, 2024

Online Application portal closed
One-on-one sessions with SEDCO
Round 2 applicants notified
Grayson SBDC Workshop I
Grayson SBDC Workshop II
First draft of Business Plan due
Initial Pitch to Judging Panel
Site visits by Judging Panel
Final presentations to Judging Panel
Awards Ceremony
YOUR IDEAS CAN GROW HERE
The RISE Challenge is a competition to incentivize young, entrepreneurial companies based in Sherman or moving to Sherman and demonstrating high potential to positively impact the economy. You’ll be joining a community of forward-thinkers in a place that nurtures new ideas and forges new paths to success. Find out more about planting your company in Sherman’s thriving business climate.

2023 finalist Taylor'd Trends expanded to new warehouse space to support its thriving e-commerce business.
HOW THIS WORKS
Do you have a dream to grow your business? You could be the next success story in the RISE Challenge!
Sherman's RISE Challenge opens annually to companies that have been in business between one and five years and whose core business activity is in an eligible category as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
In 2023, three young companies were selected to receive grants from the RISE Challenge. Jade United, Taylor'd Trends, and Big Girl Spa Essentials will receive continued support from sponsoring partners Sherman Economic Development Corp. (SEDCO), Austin College, and Grayson Small Business Development Center, each providing a unique resource to these growing companies.
The application portal for the 2024 RISE Challenge is closed. Watch for future announcements!

RISE Challenge
900 N Grand Ave Suite 6G
Sherman TX 75090

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T: 903-813-2042

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© 2023 by
SEDCO and Austin College