SALINA, KS — Applications are now open for the 5th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge, hosted by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Kansas State University–Salina.
The competition is open to start-up businesses and businesses operating for three years or less and offers up to $6,000 in cash prizes for top finishers.
In 2025, the event awarded $16,000 in total prize money to the top five finalists. Last year’s first-place winner, M1 Pool Maintenance, has since used the funding to launch and grow its business.
“The Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge was an experience I will never forget,” said Marshall Zuccarelli, owner of M1 Pool Maintenance. “When I enrolled in the Business Essentials course at Salina Central High School in August 2024, I could not have anticipated where I would be eight months later. This competition highlighted the opportunities available in Salina for individuals willing to work hard to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.”
Zuccarelli also credited the organizers and judges for their support, saying the experience showcased the depth of business talent and mentorship available in the community.
Prize Structure and Sponsors
The 2026 event is presented by Bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality, with additional support from Network Kansas and VentureDash.
Cash prizes will be awarded as follows:
- 1st Place: $6,000
- 2nd Place: $4,000
- 3rd Place: $3,000
- 4th Place: $2,000
- 5th Place: $1,000
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- A written business plan
- A 2–3 minute introductory video outlining their business idea
The application deadline is March 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. There is no cost to apply.
Eligible applicants include residents of Saline, Dickinson, Ellsworth, McPherson, and Ottawa counties.
All applications will be scored, with 10 finalists selected to advance to the in-person pitch competition.
Pitch Competition Details
Finalists will pitch their business plans in person on April 1, 2026, at Kansas State University–Salina. Each competitor will have:
- 7 minutes to pitch
- Follow-up questions from judges
Judging and scoring will follow a format similar to televised pitch competitions. Final scores will determine the top five winners, announced at the conclusion of the event.
About the Challenge
The competition is named in honor of Charlie Walker, a longtime Salina businessman and entrepreneur who founded several companies, including Blue Beacon International and the Rolling Hills Zoo near Hedville. Walker passed away in 2012, and his family continues to support entrepreneurship and civic causes throughout the community.
“We have generous business owners in this community who are eager to support the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Renee Duxler, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event has grown from that shared desire to encourage entrepreneurship in a fun, educational, and impactful way.”
Additional Resources
The Chamber will host a ‘How to Pitch Your Business’ workshop on Thursday, February 12, at Kansas State University–Salina. Registration is available at:
https://projectopensalina.com/training/
To apply for the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge or learn more, visit:
https://goventuredash.com/competitions/834
Questions may also be directed to Jaclyn Crow at jcrow@salinakansas.org.