Metro East Start-Up Challenge 2026

About

A competition offering substantial cash prizes and professional services for startups and entrepreneurs located in specific counties, aimed at fostering business innovation and growth.

Benefits

• 💰First Place Prize
  $10,000 awarded to the first-place winner
• 💰Second Place Prize
  $6,000 awarded to the second-place winner
• 💰Third Place Prize
  $4,000 awarded to the third-place winner
• 💰Fourth Place Prize
  $2,000 awarded to the fourth-place winner
• 🛠️ Professional Services
  Top four finishers receive professional services including legal, accounting, website design, and IT support
• 🎖️ Additional Awards
  $1,500 awards for Rural Business of the Year, Woman-Owned Business, Minority-Owned Business, and Veteran-Owned Business categories

Eligibility Criteria

• Businesses must be established after April 30, 2023
• Proposed ventures must be located in Jersey, Calhoun, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe, Randolph, Fayette, Montgomery, or Macoupin counties
• Open to for-profit entrepreneurs and startup businesses

Participation Commitments

• Initial entries due by 11:59 p.m. on August 9, 2026
• Participants must submit an executive summary and a full business plan
• Semifinalists will be paired with business mentors throughout the process

Target Sector

All sectors

Target Location

Jersey, Calhoun, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe, Randolph, Fayette, Montgomery, Macoupin counties