Salina Chamber Announces 5th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge
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The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 5th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge, to be held Wednesday, april 1st, 2026, at Kansas State University-Salina. This competition offers a significant opportunity for start-up and young businesses – those operating for three years or less – to secure funding and gain valuable experience.
Competition Details and Prizes
The Charlie Walker Pitch challenge provides a platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel of judges,similar to the format of popular shows like “Shark Tank.” Last year’s event distributed $16,000 in prizes, and M1 Pool Maintenance, the 2025 first-place winner, successfully used their winnings to launch their business.
This year’s prize structure is as follows:
- 1st Place: $6,000
- 2nd Place: $4,000
- 3rd Place: $3,000
- 4th Place: $2,000
- 5th Place: $1,000
The event is presented by bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality, with additional sponsorship from Network Kansas and VentureDash.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs must submit an initial submission consisting of a comprehensive business plan and a short 2-3-minute video introducing their business concept. The application deadline is March 16th, 2026, at 11:59 pm. There is no application fee.
Eligibility extends to residents of saline County, as well as Dickinson, Ellsworth, McPherson, and Ottawa counties.
The Pitch Competition
Following the application review, ten applicants will be selected to participate in the in-person pitch competition.Competitors will have seven minutes to present their business plan to the judges, followed by a question-and-answer session. Judges will then score the businesses, and the top five finishers will be announced.
Honoring Charlie Walker
The Entrepreneurial Challenge is named in honor of Charlie Walker, a prominent Salina businessman and founder of Blue Beacon International and the Rolling Hills Zoo. despite his passing in 2012,the Walker family continues his legacy of supporting civic causes and entrepreneurship in the Salina community.
Workshop Opportunity
The salina Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ‘How To Pitch Your Business’ workshop on Thursday, February 12th at Kansas State University-Salina Campus to help competitors prepare. Register for the workshop hear.
Further Data
For more information and to apply for the challenge, visit the VentureDash website. you can also contact Jaclyn Crow at [email protected].