Enterprise Challenge Registration 2026

Enterprise Challenge Contest Information 
Enterprise Challenge is an annual business plan competition for new and emerging companies within Kittitas County. We believe it is a great way for the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate small business and support promising ventures in Central Washington. 

• The 2026 competition runs from September 8, 2026 through November 12, 2026.
• Registration closes on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. 
• Cost to participate is $200
• The estimated value of this competition is $2,500 in professional services 

Benefits to Business Owners: 

• Instruction on business planning, marketing, financing, technology, and related topics 
• Individual help session with experts in finance, marketing and other business topics 
• Feedback on plans submitted by judges who have practical business experience
• Opportunities to network and collaborate with other great entrepreneurs
• 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. 

Prize Money
The Enterprise Challenge prize money adds up to $17,500. Winners 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. An official agreement is signed by both parties prior to the investment distribution that includes the milestone that must be during the current competition calendar year. 

• 1st Place: $10,000
• 2nd Place: $5,000
• 3rd Place: $2,500

How the Competition Works 

• Contestants attend online and/or in-person workshops 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 through the rounds of the competition
• The competition features a pitch your business trade show and a final presentation round 
• Winners are announced at an award ceremony 

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

Please note that there may be schedule changes and different ways we approach each round of the competition. 

Contest Rules and Eligibility Requirements 
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 if you are already in operation. 
• Business 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 following: 
  • Orientation
  • Workshops, with one excused absence
  • Enterprise Challenge Trade Show 
  • Final Presentation
• Contest judges will recuse themselves if he/she has a conflict of interest (ie. family, friend, financial, or business relationship)
• Judges' decisions are final, including the 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. An official agreement is signed by both parties prior to the investment distribution that includes the milestone that must be met during the competition calendar year. 

2026 Program Schedule

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 deadline.