2020-2021 Competition

Round 1: Ideate

Submissions for the competition were due in October 2020 and there were more than 60 compelling and impressive submissions for this year's competition. After long and difficult deliberations judges narrowed down the round 1 submissions, and selected ten teams for both the Start-up Venture and Greater West Dayton Social Venture tracks.

Round 2: Inspire

During the second round, team conducted market research and gathered community input on their venture concepts. In January 2021, teams gave 5 minute presentations to a panel of judges via Zoom. After deliberation, judges narrowed the tops down to 5 teams per track to move on to the final round.

Round 3: Iterate

The final presentation were held on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Teams on the Startup Track final presented in-person to a closed audience at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank. Teams of the Greater West Dayton Social Venture Track presented to a virtual audience  via Facebook Live. Audience members who registered in advance for the social venture pitches receive a voting ballot to help select the Community Choice Award winner.

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The judges award allocations were announced for both tracks on Monday, April 26, 2021.

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Greater West Dayton Social Venture Track

Westside Makerspace - $10,000

Black Doulas of the Midwest - $3,500

Dayton Young Black Professionals - $2,500 (Community Choice Award)

Gem City Recycling Empowerment Program - $1,000 + Bandila Branding and Web Package

STEM Whisperers - $500

Startup Track

Illume - $45,000 ($20,000 non-diluted + $25,000 ESP)

Just Cakin' It - $35,000

Petrified Goods - $15,000

Healthy Family Market - $10,000 + Bandila Branding and Web Package

Scattered Shop - $2,500

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