Application Period Open for Seventh Annual Sheridan Start-Up Challenge

Kickoff of the 2022 Sheridan Start-Up Challenge began Aug. 14, with the opening of the application period. This will be the seventh consecutive year for Sheridan’s annual entrepreneur competition. Applicants will once again vie for a portion of the $100,000 seed capital fund that has been set up for the event.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 18. There is no cost to apply. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to provide some basic information, including a summary of their business idea, product or service; the market they plan to serve; and advantages of their offering over competitive and alternative options. To apply, go to https://impact307.org/sheridan-challenge/ on the IMPACT 307 website.

IMPACT 307, with business incubators in various cities around the state, is a business development program of the University of Wyoming. It is a not-for-profit business incubator system that provides startup and early-stage companies with the expertise, networks and tools necessary for the development of successful businesses. It is administered by UW’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

A panel of community judges will select the top startup businesses for the semifinal round. Of those contenders, about five finalists will be chosen to work with IMPACT Sheridan to further develop their plans and prepare their presentations for Pitch Night, which is scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the WYO Theater in Sheridan. The event will be livestreamed by a team from Sheridan Media.

A crowd favorite, the Audience Choice Cash Award, will allow in-person and virtual attendees to vote for their favorite business plan pitch.

For more information, call IMPACT Sheridan Director Scot Rendall at (307) 675-1939 or email srendall@uwyo.edu.