Business Pitch Challenge
A collaboration between the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, the City of Bismarck, the City of Mandan, and the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC), the Business Pitch Challenge is designed to help entrepreneurs refine their business plans and prepare for long-term success.
First-ever Bismarck Business Pitch Challenge
Applications are now open for the first-ever Bismarck Business Pitch Challenge. Local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of local judges for a chance to gain valuable exposure and win $15,000 in a forgivable loan.
Four finalists will be selected to meet with a ND SBDC coach, who will help them optimize their application, business plan and presentation. Even those who don’t take home the top prize will leave with stronger business strategies, expanded networks and increased visibility within the community.
Key Dates:
- Entry Deadline: August 21, 2026
- Finalists Announced By: August 28, 2026
- Final Pitch Presentations: October 14, 2026
- Save the date for the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge: Spring 2027
Past Winners
- 2025 Mandan Business Pitch Winner: ProntoChore
- 2023 Mandan Business Pitch Winner: Send-It! Cornhole
- 2022 Mandan Business Pitch Winner: Bubbles and Brews ND
- 2021 Mandan Business Pitch Winner: Letter the Lawn
- 2019 Mandan Business Pitch Winner: Latidot Scoop & Gift Shop
- 2018 Mandan Business Pitch Winner: Nordic Steel Systems
Media Coverage
- Bismarck Business Pitch, ND Today, ND Today (August 4, 2026)
- Business Pitch Challenge is launched in Bismarck, The Bismarck Tribune (July 21, 2026)
- Business Pitch Challenge expands to Bismarck, KFYR TV (July 17, 2026)
- Bismarck Business Pitch Challenge, KFYR+ (July 16, 2026)
- The City of Bismarck launches its first business pitch challenge, Grand Forks Herald (July 14, 2026)
- Mandan Business Pitch Challenge Returns, KXNET (July 1, 2025)
