NY's Creative Core Emerging Business Competition

We're looking for the most innovative and growth-oriented entrepreneur or emerging business in the Creative Core!

The competition will run in three categories: Emerging Business, 15K innovations in agri-business, and the $5,000 Business Idea. The 1st place winner in the Emerging Business category will win $200,000. The Business Idea competition will award one talented high school or college student a $5,000 cash prize for a great business idea essay

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Participation in the competition is limited to individuals or entry teams from the Central Upstate New York region (defined as: Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence, and Tompkins Counties). Judging will be based on three categories as selected by the individual or entry team:

  • $200,000 Emerging Business Competition
    Company currently in existence – formally incorporated by January 20th, 2011. Revenue stream between $0 and $5 million · $150 application fee 

  • $15,000 Innovations in Agri-Business Competition
    Recognizes a company that has developed and implemented an innovative product, process, or technology that has significantly impacted their competitiveness and the competitiveness of the region’s agricultural community. No Application Fee ($15,000 prize) 

  • $5,000 Business Idea Competition
    Open to High School and College Students only. $5000 is awarded to the student. · No Application Fee ($5,000 prize)