Unlock Your Startup's Potential: Join the Exciting Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge!

Apply Now for the 4th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge!

StartUp Salina is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 4th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge, set to take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Kansas State University-Salina. This competition invites both start-up businesses and young businesses that have been operational for three years or less, with the chance to win up to $6,000 in cash prizes.

Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, stands with the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge judges after winning the first-place prize of $6,000.

Last year, the event awarded a total of $16,000 in prizes to the top five finishers. The 2024 winner, The Refillery, utilized their funding for purchasing their first season’s worth of product, POS equipment, and market booth equipment.

Inspiring Testimonials

Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, shared her experience:

“Participating in the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge was the turning point that transformed my business dreams into a tangible reality. It was the spark that ignited my vision and set the trajectory for success, proving that one opportunity can change everything.”
Baughman emphasized the value of the experience, stating,
“It was a powerful reminder that I am the expert on my dream, my business, and my vision—and that the knowledge I’ve cultivated is truly valuable.”

Prizes and Application Details

This year’s event, presented by Bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality, will offer cash prizes for the top five finishers:

• $6,000 for 1st place
• $4,000 for 2nd place
• $3,000 for 3rd place
• $2,000 for 4th place
• $1,000 for 5th place

The initial application requires a business plan and a short 2–3-minute video introducing the business idea. The deadline for submissions is March 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM. There is no application fee, and it includes residents of Saline County and surrounding counties.

Pitch Competition Format

Ten applicants will be selected to participate in the in-person pitch competition on March 26, 2025. Competitors will have seven minutes to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges, similar to the format seen on popular shows like ‘Shark Tank’.

The challenge is named in honor of Charlie Walker, a prominent Salina businessman who founded several companies, including Blue Beacon International. Walker's legacy continues through his family's commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship in the community.

Community Support

Renee Duxler, CEO & President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, noted,

“We have some generous business owners in this community who are eager and interested in supporting the next generation of small businesses.”

StartUp Salina will also host a ‘How To Pitch Your Business’ workshop on Tuesday, February 11th for interested competitors.
For more information and to apply, visit projectopensalina.com/training.

For further details, you can email Jaclyn Crow at jcrow@salinakansas.org.