By Blake Jackson
Applications are now open for the 6th annual Grow-NY food and agriculture business competition! This program seeks high-potential startups in the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors to compete for a chance to win up to $3 million and other valuable resources.
Grow-NY focuses on a 22-county region in upstate New York, aiming to connect local and international innovators and investors. Since its launch in 2019, the program has fostered significant economic growth. Winning startups have created hundreds of jobs and attracted millions in additional funding.
This year's theme, "grow and lead change," positions Grow-NY as a hub for the emerging climate-smart bioeconomy. Participating startups will compete for prizes, receive mentorship from industry experts, and gain access to key regional resources.
Grow-NY winners are awarded their prize money as an investment, contingent on demonstrating a positive economic impact through job creation and other development activities. The competition offers a top prize of $1 million, with additional awards of $500,000 and $250,000.
Applications are due May 15th, 2024. Finalists will be announced in August and participate in a business development phase with mentorship and networking opportunities. The culminating event, the Grow-NY Summit, takes place in November and features finalist pitches, industry talks, and a showcase of resources for food and agriculture startups.
If you're a food or ag-tech entrepreneur looking for funding, mentorship, and a chance to make a positive impact, consider applying to Grow-NY!
To learn more about the Grow-NY competition, visit www.grow-ny.com.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: New York, Business