PRESENTS
RURAL BUSINESS
A "Shark Tank" inspired competition to drive entrepreneurship in Barton County!
Great Bend Economic Development's Entrepreneurship Competition
Meet the 2023 Finalists
Watch the 2023 live finale
IGNITE RURAL BUSINESS GOALS...
To empower, support and cultivate entrepreneurs. In Barton County we strive to champion creativity and innovative thinking and compliment a project or idea with the tools, resources and investment necessary to see it thrive. We aim for this competition to be the first of many efforts to continue that mission in a positive and impactful way.
To bring new and innovative business ideas to Barton County that will provide new industry, new jobs and an entrepreneurship culture now and in the future.
Start Up
Support
Click here to view available classes and trainings to help you in your start up business. Whether you're planning to compete in IGNITE or not, these classes are designed to help entrepreneurs thrive in the business world!
Coming soon...
LIVE COMPETITION
COMING BACK OCTOBER 2024
Join us for a "Shark Tank" inspired competition to drive entrepreneurship in Barton County! IGNITE will feature THREE of our business finalists as they compete to win up to $50,000 and free business support for a year following to open or continue their business in Great Bend/Barton County. Doesn't matter where you're from, all entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate for your chance to WIN big and start STRONG!
IGNITE YOUR INVESTMENT
INVESTOR PACKAGE
$10,000
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Company logo on all event marketing materials
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A dedicated ad on the IGNITE Webpage.
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A dedicated whole page in the program to be handed out at the event
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Dedicated balcony space for the live event to seat up to 12 people with dedicated wait staff.
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Pre-event party for your company
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Commercial to be played live and via the live stream
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Sponsorship swag bag
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Company logo included in live stream
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A seat on the IGNITE Committee for the following years competition
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Only 3 available
DIAMOND PACKAGE
$5,000
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Company logo on all event marketing materials
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A dedicated ad on the IGNITE Webpage.
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A dedicated whole page in the program to be handed out at the event
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Dedicated balcony space for the live event to seat up to 6 people with dedicated wait staff.
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Company logo included on live stream
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Only 5 available
GOLD PACKAGE
$2,500
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Company logo on all event marketing materials
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6 Tickets to the live event
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A dedicated half page in the program to be handed out at the event
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Only 10 available
SILVER PACKAGE
$1,000
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Your company logo on all event marketing materials
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4 Tickets to the live event
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Company logo to be included in the program to be handed out at the event
OUR 2023
SPONSORS
Once you've signed up to compete in our VentureDash portal, here's what's next:
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First thing is first - in the "rules and guidelines" section in your VentureDash portal, please review the document and upload your signed copy once you've read and agreed to the terms.
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After you've completed the first step, it's off to the races - time to start perfecting that business plan and video pitch!
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If you need help with your business plan, please reach out via the VentureDash Platform or via email at director@gbedinc.com to allow us to set you up with a business planning consultant for free.
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Next, start working on those video pitches. We really want to know about you, your business, and most importantly, what would $50,000 do for your business. This is your time to shine and show us your passion for your business!
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All business plans and video pitches must be uploaded by June 30th, however, once you've got them done, you're free to upload them at anytime.
Lastly, please be aware that once you're signed up to compete, you will be receiving updates and email communications from VentureDash, so please check this as "not spam" in your email.
Best of Luck!
Welcome
Video Library
All Videos
IGNITE Rural Business is now LIVE!
IGNITE Sponsorships
IGNITE Business Mentor Information
IGNITE Details and Timeline
