The online application for the 2022 competition opens on Tuesday, March 1. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for entrepreneurs to apply, so you can preview the application. Be sure to watch our “Before You Apply” video to learn more from the LaunchPad Judges themselves about what they look for in an application.

Applying to LaunchPad takes only an hour or two. No formal documentation is required, and you can create an account to start your application, then stop and save a draft to complete later. If you applied in 2019 or later, you can even access your application to update it rather than starting from scratch. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on March 31.

Application deadline: Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 5:00pm 

A team of independent, experienced, successful entrepreneurs and business leaders will review every completed application against the judging criteria including viability, scalability, uniqueness, management and impact. Those selected to advance will be notified on or before Friday, May 13, 2022.

The $50,000 LaunchPad finalists will participate in a orientation with the LaunchPad team to prepare you for the live event. This includes an overview of the agenda and a review of requirements and best practices for your live pitch. Finalists will also arrive early on event day to walk-through the venue and know what to expect.

The $50,000 LaunchPad finalists will deliver a pitch to, and then field questions from, a panel of three independent, experienced, successful business leaders live in-person on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. The $50,000 LaunchPad grant and Emerging Business Award winners will both be announced at the conclusion of the event.