Compete to Win Your Share of $500,000!
Awarded to local entrepreneurs
The 2026-27 Challenge Begins September 22nd!
The Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge is brought to you by:
Questions about the Challenge?
Start or Expand Your Business
Enter the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge for access to one-on-one business coaching from America’s Small Business Development Center at UT Permian Basin. Progress through the challenge and compete for your share of $500,000 awarded to the chosen finalists!
FOLLOW THESE STEPS!
STEP 1
RSVP For Orientation
Complete the quick RSVP Form to reserve your spot at one of our three orientation sessions.
STEP 2
Attend Orientation
Attend one of three orientations to ensure the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge is right for you and your business. Attendance is mandatory.
The Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge Includes:
01. Consulting
Consult with our resident experts on a legitimate business plan for your venture.
02. Structure
Learn how your business should be structured to maximize potential and protect assets.
03. Lending
Learn about business taxation and loans from lenders and professional tax experts.
04. Marketing
Learn the ropes of today’s most effective marketing strategies from a team of local experts.
05. Development
Develop your business plan and pitch to set your business up for success (and wow our judges).
06. Potential Funding
Businesses that advance to our Pitch Presentation compete for a share of $500,000.
Important Dates
All sessions will be held at the Center for Energy and Economic Diversification (CEED) N 1310 FM 1788, Midland, TX 79707
Pitch Seminar – September 22 – 6:00 Pm
business plan seminar part 1 – October 6 – 6:00 Pm
Business plan seminar part 2 – october 20 – 6:00 Pm
Pitch Sheets due – october 22 by 9:00 AM
marketing seminar & past winner panel – November 3 – 6:00 PM
city of midland seminar + mec mixer – november 17 – 6:00 PM
Advancing businesses notified – November 20
Business Structure/Intellectual Property Seminar – December 1 – 6:00 PM
Business Plans Due – December 8 @ 8:00 AM *no late entries will be accepted*
Lender Seminar – January 5 – 6:00 PM
Final round businesses notified – january 22
final presentation seminar – January 26 – 6:00 PM
Final Presentation to judges – february 2 – 10:00 Am – 4:00 PM
winners notified(!) – february 3
Award ceremony & check presentation – tbd – 7:00-9:00 PM
2025-26 Winners
Congratulations to our 2025-26 Winners! Will your business join their ranks this year?
Previous Winners
Most Wanted Waste Disposal
The Oilfield Photographer
