The University of Wyoming’s IMPACT 307, in collaboration with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Central Wyoming College, and the High Plains American Indian Research Institute, is launching the second annual Wind River Startup Challenge.
This challenge is an opportunity for Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal Members to pitch their business ideas for a chance to receive startup funding from a $25,000 seed fund sponsored by the National Science Foundation through Wyoming EPSCoR.
No business experience is required in order to apply to the challenge. Tribal Members can submit their innovative and sustainable business ideas by Monday, October 12th. Applications will be assessed based on the potential to benefit the Wind River Reservation community. Business concepts designed to benefit the environment, health, and well-being of the tribal communities will receive preference; however, all concepts will be considered.
The Wind River Startup Challenge is similar to other regional entrepreneurship opportunities in Wyoming in which applicants work closely with experienced business counselors from IMPACT 307 (formerly the Wyoming Technology Business Center), SBDC, and CWC. Interested applicants are encouraged to run their business concepts by these counselors, including the IMPACT team ([email protected]) and Kyle Trumble ([email protected]).
Stephanie C’Hair, Wind River Startup Challenge winner, says of her experience, “I am very grateful to the WRSC because I wouldn’t have had to opportunity to open my business this soon. It would have still been in the works for years to come without this funding. It has been a wonderful opportunity to work with everyone along the way. Everyone has been extremely helpful.”
More information and the application can be on the Wind River Startup Challenge website.
Check out the winners of the first-ever startup challenge in our earlier post.