Got a Million-Dollar Idea?
Let’s Think Bigger 💡

The StartUp Humboldt Competition offers access to $200,000 in milestone-based funding, expert mentorship and the support you need to scale with purpose

APPLY NOW!!!Invest in Innovation

We use the StartupTree Software. If you encounter difficulties using StartupTree Software, please get in touch with the Norcal SBDC staff Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm at 707‑840‑4940 or by emailing us at startup@humboldt.edu as soon as possible.

Turn innovative visions into scalable ventures. Whether you're starting from scratch or building momentum, this is your path to financial support and professional guidance.

$200,000 in milestone-based funding is on the line.

Start Locally → Scale Globally

But this isn’t your typical business competition...

You’ll be challenged to test assumptions, talk to potential customers, and refine your model in real time. The goal? Learn fast, pivot smart, and turn a million-dollar idea into a $10 million reality.

Ready to build something big? Apply Now!

✷ Advancing Innovation. Empowering Entrepreneurs. Investing in the Region. ✷ 

Winning isn’t about having the flashiest pitch—it’s about showing real progress. Here’s what will set top teams apart:

💡Have a Novel Idea

We’re looking for creative solutions, breakthrough innovations, and bold challenges to the status quo.

📍 Map Your Model
 Start with a business model canvas to define your key assumptions and track your thinking.

🗣️ Talk to Customers
 Get outside the building. Real conversations with customers help validate what’s working—and what’s not.

🔁 Pivot with Purpose
 Learning you’re wrong is part of the process. Show how you adapted based on real-world feedback.

📈 Think Big, Start Smart
 Demonstrate how your venture can scale—from a promising idea to a high-growth business.

🏆 Show Progress, Not Perfection
 Winning teams don’t just present—they prove. Judges want to see traction, insight and a clear path forward.

StartUp Humboldt Competition FAQ

Who is eligible to enter the StartUp Humboldt Competition? ▼

The competition is open to two main categories:

  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals with a new business idea who have not yet generated more than $1,000 in cumulative sales revenue.
  • Early-Stage Businesses: Businesses with annual sales revenue between $0 and $1,000,000 in their most recent fiscal year.

All participants must be at least 18 years of age. Employees, officers, directors, and immediate family members of the Sponsors are not eligible to participate.

What are the team composition requirements? ▼

Competing teams should consist of no more than five people.

What are the ownership requirements? ▼

If the company has allocated equity, then the participating team members must collectively own 50% or more of it.

If the company has not allocated equity by January 1, 2026, the majority of the company's founders should be represented as team members in the competition.

Are there revenue limitations? ▼

Minimal revenues gained in the process of validation are allowable for the competition. Excessive revenues will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the StartUp Humboldt Competition organizers.

Revenue is often the best form of validation, so some revenue generation is acceptable within the competition guidelines.

What are the investment limitations? ▼

No more than $250,000 of invested capital shall have been raised and/or secured from the following sources prior to January 1, 2026:

  • Friends and family
  • Debt (any source - convertible, venture, traditional)
  • Accelerators
  • Equity investments (angel and venture capital)

A CAP table should be provided showing the dollars currently invested and the respective ownership percentage exchanged for the investment.

What types of ventures are NOT eligible? ▼

Ventures cannot be:

  • A buyout
  • A real estate syndication
  • A tax shelter
  • A franchise
  • A licensing agreement for distribution in a different geographical area
  • A spinout from an existing non-local corporation

However, licensing technologies from universities or research labs are encouraged, assuming they have not been commercialized previously.

What language must be used in the competition? ▼

English must be used in all competition submissions and presentations.

What are the location requirements? ▼

Teams must be either:

  • Located/organized in the greater Humboldt area, OR
  • Committed to reside here prior to the final pitch event in Spring 2026

Finalists must agree to:

  • Present in person at the final competition in the Arcata area
  • Attend the preparatory sessions beginning in spring 2026

Note: A strong preference for final award consideration will be given to competitors residing and/or operating in Humboldt as of January 1, 2026.

What is the StartUp Humboldt Incubation Program? ▼

The Incubation Program is designed to provide ongoing support for the StartUp Humboldt Competition winners. This immersion/accelerator program includes:

  • Hosted at the StartUp Humboldt facility for no less than 120 days after the April 2026 final event
  • Tailored to address the specific needs of the winning business(es)
  • May include mentorship, workshops, access to resources, networking opportunities, and workspace

Participation in the Incubation Program is subject to the winner(s)' agreement to the terms and conditions set forth by StartUp Humboldt. The Sponsors make no guarantees regarding the specific services or outcomes of the Incubation Program.

Can exceptions be made to the eligibility criteria? ▼

StartUp Humboldt organizers recognize that no set of criteria can apply to every circumstance. Potential participants who feel they fit the spirit of the competition, but who may be in minor violation of the eligibility criteria, may petition the StartUp Humboldt Competition organizers for an exception.

The organizers also reserve the right to disqualify any team that it determines to be in violation of the spirit of the competition. All decisions made by the StartUp Humboldt Competition organizers are final.