ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) and the Northern Innovation & Startup Center are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition. Entrepreneurs and startup businesses from across the region are invited to compete for a $10,000 cash prize while advancing their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026. Finalists will be announced by June 1, 2026, with the final competition event scheduled for June 19, 2026.
“The Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition represents our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in our community,” said Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. “This exciting event provides a tangible platform for aspiring business owners to refine their ideas, connect with potential investors, and take meaningful steps toward success.”
The competition welcomes startups and prospective businesses that are less than 5 years in operation with less than $500,000 in cumulative revenue as of the application deadline. Previous participants are welcome to apply again — those who entered in past years may submit the same business (if not previously selected as finalists) or a different business concept.
The competition is designed to inspire and support a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, assist prospective and startup businesses in fine-tuning ideas and plans to secure investment and financing, and advance businesses from concept to launch toward success and profitability.
"Each year, the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition continues to grow — not only in the number of applicants, but also in the energy and attendance at the finalist pitch event," said Bea Smith, director of the Northern Innovation & Startup Center. "That growth speaks to our region's excitement to celebrate innovation and support the ideas taking shape here. This competition is about giving innovations from across our region access to capital, whether it's an idea someone has been refining for years or something they've only recently started. It's an opportunity to step forward, share your vision and be part of a community that wants to see those ideas succeed."
Important dates for the 2026 competition are:
- Application Period: March 1 – April 30, 2026
- Finalists Announced: June 1, 2026
- Final Competition Event: June 19, 2026
The final competition event will bring together finalists, community leaders, industry experts and potential investors for an evening of compelling pitches, networking and celebration of entrepreneurial vision.
For more information, to apply and to submit questions, visit adcsd.com/aberdeen-business-pitch-competition/.