Applications Open for the 10th Annual Scott County FAST-TRACK Business Challenge
Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas have an exciting opportunity to take their ventures to the next level through the 10th Annual Scott County FAST-TRACK Business Challenge.
Applications are now being accepted through July 31, 2026, for this competition designed to help emerging businesses accelerate their path to success.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the FAST-TRACK Challenge has become a cornerstone of entrepreneurial support in Scott County, helping first-stage businesses and innovators transform ideas into thriving enterprises. The program’s mission is simple: provide entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
Often described as a “Shark Tank”-style competition, the FAST-TRACK Challenge offers much more than the chance to win prizes. Participants receive valuable guidance and support throughout the process, including free pitch preparation assistance through NextStage and the Scott County CDA Center for Entrepreneurship Board.
Selected participants gain access to experienced industry mentors, business and financial planning resources, networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, media exposure, and the opportunity to refine their business concepts through expert feedback. Winning businesses may receive startup funding, professional service packages, and access to Class A shared office space and meeting facilities within the Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship Business Accelerator.
The competition welcomes applicants across a wide range of industries, including Energy/Clean Tech/Water, Food/Ag/Beverage, High Tech, Life Science/Health Tech, Personal Care Solutions, Professional Services, and General Business categories.
To be eligible, applicants must reside in Scott County or be willing to locate their business in Scott County. Applicants should have a viable product, service, or business idea and be operating a first-stage business or developing a new product or service concept.
The FAST-TRACK Challenge culminates with a live finalist event on October 8, 2026, where selected entrepreneurs will present their business ideas before judges and community leaders. In 2025 alone, the program awarded $21,000 in cash and in-kind services to participating businesses, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re launching a startup, developing a new product, or turning a business idea into reality, the Scott County FAST-TRACK Business Challenge provides the tools, connections, and visibility to help move your business forward.
Ready to take your idea to the next level? Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone 10th anniversary year and put your business on the fast track to success. There is no entry fee to apply, and free pitch preparation assistance is available to all participants. Submit your application by July 31, 2026, and learn more at www.scottcountyfasttrack.com or contact Michael Werneke at mwerneke@scottcda.org.
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