To begin the application process for the Launch Stage contest — powered by GUST

Launch Stage Application

To begin the application process for the Concept Stage contest — powered by GUST

Concept Stage Application

Deadline for application Oct. 11th 2016

If you have any questions please contact us

Applicants please note:

  1. You can choose to hide or show your company profile to any of the other  groups on GUST … but be assured, we can see it.
  2. Date for “pitch-off” – semi-finals – will be determined. 
  3. SBDC (Small Business Development Center) is available to assist Concept Stage participants with questions regarding business plans, powerpoint presentations and any items related to a start-up business or the Concept Stage competition.  Please visit Updates – Post for resource and workshop information.
    • Please contact: UCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 
      • 522 SE Washington Ave, Roseburg, OR 97470
      • Phone: (541) 440-7824
      • Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday-Friday
      • For information regarding upcoming training please contact Robin.Walker-Parker@umpqua.edu or call (541) 440-7662

What you need to know to apply:

1. Are you eligible? 

  • Concept Stage competitors must be based in Douglas County.
  • Launch Stage companies must be located in Oregon—or willing to relocate if selected.

2. Which “stage” should my company apply for?

  “Concept Stage” Businesses: great business ideas that need development. Concept Stage business plan competition is only open to Douglas County businesses or entrepreneurs. The prize will be a package of cash and business services worth over $5,000. 
 “Launch Stage” Businesses: ready for investment and major growth. Launch Stage competition has no industry preference, but investors are looking for high growth potential.  The winner will receive an investment (see the model term sheet) of approximately $150,000 to $200,000. (Prior winners have received between $160,000 and $230,000 from RAIN investors.) The investment will most likely be in the form of a convertible note, that would convert to equity at a future point in time, when the company completes a “valued raise.” If a company has an active round open, and the terms are acceptable, the investors may be willing to enter under those same terms.

3. What do you want to know? What does the application consist of?

A formal business plan is not required, but the application asks for much of the same information that would be contained in a typical business plan. Concept Stage competitors will very likely NOT be able to answer every question, and that is to be expected. The list of questions for applicants is here.

4. What’s the catch?

The fee to apply is $50 for the Concept Stage and $100 for the Launch Stage. The price includes free attendance at the December 1, 2016 conference.

What happens after you apply? How are the winners selected?

For the “Concept Stage” businesses, all competitor swill be invited to pitch to a panel of business advisors, which will select approximately ten semi-finalists. Semi-finalists  pitch-off will take place prior to the conference (time and location will be determined), then the final pitch at the December 1st RAIN Conference. The ultimate winner is selected by an audience vote of the audience attendees.

For the “Launch Stage” competitors, the members/investors of the LLC will carry out a due diligence process to vet and consider the applicants.  Applicants should be prepared to share a high level of detail with the investors (see the list of terms at the end of the term sheet).  A minimum of 60% of the investors must agree on the company that will receive the investment.