Cottage Grove Business Challenge

2018 Business challenge ​coming this fall

$10,000 has been donated by New Breed Seed for the second year to be given as cash awards to three local entrepreneurs to jump-start their operations. The first place winner will receive $6,000, the second place winner will receive $3,000 and the third place winner will receive $1,000.

Watch this page for details on how to apply to the 2018 Cottage Grove Business Challenge!

Apply

Last year, twenty-four local businesses responded to the challenge. There will be some changes to the process this year, but the excitement and opportunities for cash prizes and mentorship remain the same. Stay tuned.

Sponsor

We are looking for a $2,500 title sponsor to help us showcase the community an increase momentum. We are also looking for event sponsors at the $250 level.

Judge

Our esteemed panel of judges is currently represented by experts from a variety of fields: law, real estate, business, finance, marketing, and more.

Judges use a scoring rubric to evaluate criteria, which can be complex and subjective.

Celebrate

The Cottage Grove Business Challenge Gala culminates the Cottage Grove Business Challenge by bringing our greater community together to celebrate the winners and the leaders that made the challenge possible. Come meet our three finalists, runner-ups, sponsors, judges, and the supporting community. October 2018 TBD.

Mike Caven, Sanity Chocolate, 2017 First Place Winner
Mike Caven, Sanity Chocolate, 2017 First Place Winner
Joey Jaraczewski, Sohr Performance + Nutrition, 2017 Second Place Winner
Joey Jaraczewski, Sohr Performance + Nutrition, 2017 Second Place Winner
Kim Johnson, Real Live Food, 2017 Third Place Winner
Kim Johnson, Real Live Food, 2017 Third Place Winner