The application for the 2024 Startup Appalaica Pitch Competition is open. The competition is presented by Community Trust Bank and supported by KY Innovation.

We are looking for Appalachia Kentucky’s next big idea! Startups are the backbone of communities across America, and we believe ideas can start, launch, and scale across our region.

Apply now for a chance to win $10,000. The deadline is December 31, 2023.

2023 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition Winners

2022 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition Recap

The 2022 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, presented by Community Trust Bancorp, was held on June 23 at the First Federal Center on the campus of Hazard Community and Technical College. it was held in conjunction with our FOCUS Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, presented by Kentucky Power.

35 startups from 24 counties competed for a $10,oo0 grand prize.

Safari Car Wash Solutions and owner Dakota Hoskins took home the top prize. Learn more about the 2022 competition and winners here.