Unlock $6,000 and Your Dream: Apply Now for the 5th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge in Salina!

Local startups and young businesses, get ready to pitch your way to success! The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce has officially opened applications for the 5th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge, set to take place on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at Kansas State University-Salina. This exciting event offers entrepreneurs a chance to win up to $6,000 in cash prizes and turn their business ideas into reality.

Marshall Zuccarelli achieves 1st place and $6,000 for business M1 Pool Maintenance at 2025, 4th annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge. Photo provided by Salina Area Chamber Commerce

Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

Open to start-ups and businesses operating for three years or less, this challenge is a golden opportunity to secure funding and gain exposure. Last year's event distributed $16,000 in prizes to the top five finishers, with the 2025 winner, M1 Pool Maintenance, using their prize money to launch their venture successfully.

Marshall Zuccarelli, owner of M1 Pool Maintenance, shared his experience: "The Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge was an experience I will never forget. 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 incredible opportunities available in the Salina community for individuals who are willing to work hard to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. It opened my eyes to the depth of business-minded talent and support that exists throughout our community."

He added, "I am sincerely grateful to the judges and to everyone who works behind the scenes to make this challenge possible. Your time, effort, and commitment make a meaningful impact on aspiring entrepreneurs in our community."

This year's event is presented by Bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality, with cash prizes for the top five finishers: $6,000 for 1st place, $4,000 for 2nd place, $3,000 for 3rd place, $2,000 for 4th place, and $1,000 for 5th place. Additional sponsors include Network Kansas and VentureDash.

How to Apply:

• Submit an initial application with a business plan and a short 2–3-minute video introducing your business idea.
• Deadline: March 16th, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
• There is no charge to apply, and it's open to residents of Saline County, as well as Dickinson, Ellsworth, McPherson, and Ottawa counties.

All applications will be scored, and ten (10) applicants will be selected to advance to the in-person pitch competition. Competitors will have 7 minutes to pitch their business plan to a panel of judges, similar to shows like 'Shark Tank'. Judges will ask questions and score the businesses, with the top five finishers announced at the end of the night.

About the Challenge: Named in honor of Charlie Walker, an iconic Salina businessman who founded companies like Blue Beacon International and Rolling Hills Zoo, this event continues his legacy of supporting entrepreneurship. Renee Duxler, CEO & President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, said, "We have some generous business owners in this community who are eager and interested in supporting the next generation of small business for the area. This event has evolved from a group of them, to include the Walker Family, wanting to encourage entrepreneurship in a fun and educational way. This pitch competition really does achieve that."

Workshop Opportunity: The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce will host a 'How To Pitch Your Business' workshop on Thursday, February 12th at Kansas State University-Salina Campus for interested competitors. To register for the workshop, click here.

For More Information:

• To apply for the challenge, click here.
• Email Jaclyn Crow at jcrow@salinakansas.org for additional details.