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
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
February 1, 2026 - Applications Open
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 26th - 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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2024 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 from our 2024 winners.
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