THE COMPETITION
Your company could be the recipient of a grant to help achieve your next step in growth and expansion. The annual RISE Challenge seeks to award a total of $250,000 in funding to winning businesses that meet all qualifications. Individual award amounts are determined by a volunteer panel of judges and may not exceed $100,000 per business and will not be less than $25,000. The 2023 application portal is now closed, but you can review the process below and watch for future announcements!
DOWNLOAD THE INFORMATION PACKET
Learn the details of the competition, get the complete schedule, and see the list of FAQs to help you prepare.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
The application is simple and requires legal documentation for your company and a two-minute video to be uploaded to the RISE Submission Portal. Deadline for 2023 was February 2.
ATTEND A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION
Sessions are held each December, but you can send your questions or schedule a call any time.
QUALIFIED APPLICANT NOTICE
Companies qualifying for the next step of competition will be notified directly by email and begin preparation for a pitch to the judging panel.
PREPARE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION
The 2023 online application portal was open January 2 - February 2, 2023.
PREPARE FOR THE PITCH TO JUDGES
Qualified applicants for 2023 will proceed on the competition schedule from business plan preparation to final pitch. RISE Challenge finalists will attend a celebration lunch in April to reveal their awards!