2023 Business Pitch Challenge Finalists | City of Mandan
2023 Business Pitch Challenge Finalists | City of Mandan
The city of Mandan has announced the return of the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge in 2025, a competition designed for entrepreneurs and startup businesses.
According to the city of Mandan, the 2025 Business Pitch Challenge will accept applications until August 22, with final presentations set for October 15. Eligible participants must be entrepreneurs located in or willing to base their businesses within 10 miles of Mandan. The startups should be less than two years old and have under $250,000 in total revenue. Franchises, multi-level marketing schemes, and nonprofits are not eligible. Contestants can enter only once per year, and winners cannot re-enter using the same concept.
Selected finalists will be notified by September 12 and are required to meet with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) coach before submitting their final materials. At the live event, each finalist will present their plan for 5–7 minutes followed by a 10-minute Q&A session with judges. Presentations will be public without confidentiality agreements. Revised applications are due by October 8, as encouraged by the city of Mandan.
Judges will evaluate entries based on innovation, market fit, team strength, and potential local economic impact. Additional emphasis will be placed on public benefits to Mandan. Presentations will also be assessed on delivery quality and the ability to answer questions effectively. Winners will be selected based on ranking scores, with tiebreakers relying on cumulative scoring from both written and live presentation rounds. Prize details are yet to be announced.
Mandan has an estimated population of 24,586 as of July 1, 2023, according to the State Data Center. Known for its historical roots as a village for the Mandan tribe, a cavalry fort, and a railroad hub, the city continues to grow while hosting annual events such as Touch-A-Truck, Rodeo Days, and Buggies-n-Blues that attract thousands of visitors. The city offers various recreational facilities including parks, sports complexes, and museums.
Alerts Sign-up