Complete the steps below to enter the Venture Division of the Startup Challenge 2021:

1. Fill out the form below to create an account for this website.
2. You will be redirected to PayPal to pay the application fee of $50. (Accepted payments: PayPal, Credit Card, or Debit Card).
3. Once payment is complete, you will be redirected to complete your company application form.

Why is there an application fee?

The Startup Challenge has been offered to the community free of any application fees in the past. We have become convinced that this is not a “best practice” for the event and have instituted a small entry fee – “skin in the game” as it were – for the event entrants. We feel that the cost of the entry fee is returned many times over in value provided to the entrants.

What are the benefits of participating?

• Polish your business executive summary and your pitch
• Access to learning resources and live online workshops
• Learn strategies for launching and analyzing your business
• Receive valuable feedback from seasoned business experts
• Finalists receive one-on-one mentoring to polish their presentation
• Make connections with potential investors, advisors, and customers
• Compete for cash prizes
• Gain exposure to regional opportunities for business development and funding 

What’s new this year?

In addition to the above, this year, we have added the following:

• Our new online competition platform (this one) provides a one-stop resource for everything related to the Startup Challenge — the entry application, workshops, educational resources, judging pitches, highlighting finalists, and showcasing the winners.
• Training from regional business experts will be offered to applicants to help move their businesses forward. 
• Increased visibility in the community and marketing of competition finalists through the platform.

Important Application Requirements:

Business must be under 2 years old and based in Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito counties.