Advertisement
IGNITE 2026 Business Competition Finale💡 Four entrepreneurs. Four big ideas. One unforgettable night.
Join us for the 2026 IGNITE Business Competition Finale, where Barton County's top entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch their businesses for a chance to win a share of $95,000 in prize funding.
This isn't just a competition—it's a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of our community. Over the past several months, these finalists have worked alongside experienced mentors to refine their business plans, strengthen their strategies, and prepare for one of the biggest moments of their entrepreneurial journey.
Meet this year's finalists:
⭐ Great Bend Play Place
⭐ Sugar Co.
⭐ The Book Cellar
⭐ The Zarah Coffee Shop
From creating new family destinations and community gathering spaces to expanding retail, hospitality, and downtown experiences, these businesses are helping shape the future of Barton County.
Watch the finalists pitch their ideas live, hear from our panel of judges, and celebrate as the winners are announced.
📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
🎤 Competition Begins: 7:00 p.m.
📍 The Crest Theater
1905 Lakin Ave. | Great Bend, KS
🎟 FREE Admission thanks to the generous support of INA Alert.
Whether you're a business owner, student, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves seeing our community grow, this is an evening you won't want to miss.
Come celebrate the people, ideas, and businesses that are helping build the future of Barton County.
We'll see you at the Crest!
Advertisement
Event venue
Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave,Great Bend,KS,United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.
Discover more events by tag
Entrepreneurship in Great BendStartup in Great BendBusiness in Great BendInvestment-literacy in Great BendContests in Great BendArt in Great BendTheatre in Great Bend