Uintah Speed Pitch
Rise and Thrive - Business Pitch Competition
The Rise & Thrive Business Pitch Competition is an annual event organized by Uintah County Economic Development and the Vernal Innovation Hub to provide entrepreneurs and business start-ups with funding opportunities and local support.
The competition allows entrepreneurs to present business ideas to a panel of 5 judges. The competition focuses on the ability to deliver a Pitch that attempts to persuade the judges in favor of a new product or service. Judges will engage with contestants and score each Contestant(s) based on the pitch presentation and follow up Q/A. Judge assessments are based on the realistic development of a product or service. This includes: Market Needs, Solutions/Value Proposition, Target Market/Research, Deliverables and Use of Prize Package.
Cash and other prize packages will be awarded to the top 3 contestants. Contestants are also invited to participate in a series of presentations and seminars aimed at providing entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills that will help in their success.
Prize Package Sponsors
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1st place - $12,000 + UBTech Full-Ride Scholarship + UBTech Custom Fit gift certificate + USU Uintah Basin $4,000 tuition scholarship + Internet services from Strata Networks for 1 year + Marketing credits with V6 Media + Marketing credits with Evan's Family Media + 1 year membership with the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce + $100 credit at the Vernal Innovation Hub.
2nd place - $7,000 + UBTech Full-Ride Scholarship + UBTech Custom Fit gift certificate + USU Uintah Basin $4,000 tuition scholarship + Internet services from Strata Networks for 6 months + Marketing credits with V6 Media + Marketing credits with Evan's Family Media + $100 credit at the Vernal Innovation Hub.
3rd place - $4,000 + UBTech Full-Ride Scholarship + UBTech Custom Fit gift certificate + Internet services from Strata Networks for 3 months + Marketing credits with V6 Media + Marketing credits with Evan's Family Media + $100 credit at the Vernal Innovation Hub.
People's Choice - Gift Basket from the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce with $500 cash.
4th - 10th place - the opportunity to apply for up to a $2,000 reimbursement grant through Uintah County Economic Development. Certain restrictions may apply.
Turning your Ideas
Into a Reality
The Pitch Competition provides entrepreneurs with funding for their start-up business, opportunities to learn from experts on starting a business, and a chance to market their ideas to the community. Contestants will apply and then pitch their idea to a panel of judges during the Preliminary Round of the competition on March 5th, 2026. Judges will rate each pitch and determine the top-10 contestants who will move on to the final round on March 19, 2026.
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Finalist will compete for First, Second, and Third place prizes. First place will win $12,000, second place $7,000 and third place will win $4,000. 4th - 10th place will receive the opportunity to apply for grant funding.
Applications
Changes may be made to submitted applications before the Application Deadline. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
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Important Dates
February 1st - Applications Open
All applications for the 2026 Pitch Competition must be submitted by 11:59 pm on February 22nd.
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February 10th - Open House
This is a perfect opportunity to come ask your questions and get help applying. It will be at the Vernal Innovation Hub from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. (431 E. Main St.)
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February 22nd - Applications Close
All applications for the 2026 Pitch Competition must be submitted by 11:59 pm.
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February 24th - Mandatory Meeting
All contestants must attend this mandatory meeting. Important information about the preliminary round of the competition will be provided.
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March 5th - Preliminary Round
Preliminary Pitch Times will be given to each contestant at the Mandatory Meeting. Preliminary judges will narrow down a top-10, who will then move on to the Final Round. Preliminary Round will begin at 9:00 am at the Vernal Innovation Hub (431 E. Main St.)
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March 19th - Final Round
Top-10 contestants will compete for prize packages and participate in business exhibit display. 6:00 pm-8:30 pm at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 S.)
Resources
Internal Revenue Service
Employer ID Numbers | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
​Utah Department of Commerce.
Online Business Registration - corporations.utah.gov
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The Small Business Administration
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Business License
Ballard City: https://ballardcity.org/applications/
Naples City: https://naplescityut.gov/
Vernal City: https://www.vernal.gov/
Uintah County: https://www.uintah.gov/
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Additional Resources
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https://www.utahmicroloanfund.org/
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Contact
Travis Campbell - Uintah County Economic Director
(435) 781-6767
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Sydney Millett - Vernal Innovation Hub Manager
(435) 781-5372
Past Winners
Check out our YouTube Channel for all other past winners:
www.youtube.com/@VernalInnovationHub
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2025 Rise & Thrive Speed Business Pitch Winners
What's Your Big Idea? The Pitch Competition provides entrepreneurs and business start-ups with funding opportunities and local support to help start and grow new businesses in Uintah County. Learn more about our 2025 winners.
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