HiCo. Secures Top Prize at 2026 Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge
Entrepreneurship in the Salina region reached a new milestone on April 1, 2026, as the 5th annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge recognized five innovative businesses. The competition, held at the Kansas State University Salina campus, awarded a total of $16,000 in prize funding to the top finalists. Taking the first-place honor and a $6,000 prize was HiCo., a venture presented by Liam Deniau-Young.
What is HiCo.?
HiCo. Is a Salina-based service specializing in guided backcountry hiking experiences. The business focuses on supporting travelers who seek multi-day trips in remote settings by providing essential gear, meals, and navigation support. Liam Deniau-Young’s victory at the pitch challenge follows a previous first-place win at the Saline County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in early March.
The Path to Victory: Competition Requirements
The Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge is designed for startups and businesses that have been operating for three years or less. To reach the finals, eight contestants had to navigate a rigorous selection process, which included:
- Submission of a comprehensive 12-page business plan.
- Creation of a three-minute elevator-pitch video.
- A live seven-minute presentation outlining the business concept.
- A five-minute Q&A session with a panel of five local judges.
Full List of 2026 Award Winners
The prize fund, donated by Bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality, Inc., was distributed among the top five finalists:
| Rank | Business | Founder/Lead | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | HiCo. | Liam Deniau-Young | $6,000 |
| 2nd Place | The Maker’s Shop | Rindi and Matt Guldner | $4,000 |
| 3rd Place | This Moment Mobile Events LLC | Kellen and Yessenia Womochil | $3,000 |
| 4th Place | Casa Dolores Café | Angelica Carrillo-Hernandez | $2,000 |
| 5th Place | Bobby’s Bees | William Hieronymus | $1,000 |
Diverse Business Concepts
The 2026 cohort showcased a wide array of industries, from outdoor adventure to specialty retail and food services:
- The Maker’s Shop: An art supply boutique and creative space in Lindsborg designed to combine retail with project-based activities.
- This Moment Mobile Events LLC: An existing event service provider offering photo booth, camper booth, and audio guest-book experiences.
- Casa Dolores Café: A planned mobile coffee trailer focusing on culturally inspired drinks and community connection.
- Bobby’s Bees: Led by William Hieronymus, rounding out the top five winners.
Honoring a Legacy of Mentorship
The event opened with remarks from Guy Walker, President of Blue Beacon, Inc., who reflected on the legacy of his grandfather, Charlie Walker. A successful entrepreneur and mentor who passed away in 2012, Charlie Walker founded Blue Beacon Truck Wash and the Rolling Hills Zoo, dedicating his life to helping others launch businesses and build careers within the Salina community.
Key Takeaways
- Event Date: April 1, 2026.
- Total Funding: $16,000 awarded across five businesses.
- Top Winner: HiCo., specializing in backcountry hiking expeditions.
- Partnerships: The event was a collaborative effort between the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, KSU Salina, Kansas Wesleyan University, The Temple, Network Kansas / VentureDash, and Start Up Salina.