The RISE Challenge could change your future
Application Portal for 2023 is closed.
Watch here for winner announcements in April!
Learn more about the full process for the annual competition in our downloadable information packet. Additional information is on our Competition page.
Do you have a business idea? Send us your questions!
WE'RE READY FOR YOUR IDEAS
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.
Watch the introductory video
2022 finalist The Charlotte Letter tripled its market reach with support from a RISE Challenge grant
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 is open to companies that have been in business five years or less and whose core business activity is in an eligible category as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
In 2022, two start-ups competing in the 2022 RISE Challenge were awarded cash incentives after a 4-month-long local competition. Arctic Bracing and The Charlotte Letter will receive continued support from sponsoring partners Sherman Economic Development Corp. (SEDCO), Austin College, Grayson Small Business Development Center, and PQD Design & Manufacturing -- each providing a unique resource to these growing companies.
The 2023 competition is now closed to new entries. Watch here for announcements of finalists and winners in April 2023, and get ready to take your next steps to success in Sherman!
2023 COMPETITION SCHEDULE
DEC 1 2022 Public Interest Meeting
DEC 8 2022 Public Interest Meeting
JAN 2 2023 Application Portal Opens
FEB 2 2023 Application Portal Closes - 11:59 p.m.
FEB 3 2023 Applicants Notified via email
FEB 10 2023 RISE Orientation & SBDC Training - Round 2 Applicants
FEB 17 2023 First Draft of Business Plan & Cash Flow Due
FEB 28 2023 Initial Pitch to Judging Panel
MAR 1 2023 Round 3 Applicants Notified
MAR 20 2023 Final Draft of Business Plan, Cash Flow & Bank Statements Due
MAR 20-31 Site Visits for Judging Panel
APR 6 2023 Final Presentations
APR 10 2023 Finalists Notified
APR 21 2023 Awards Luncheon