Fort Worth Business Plan Competition returns for 2025 with $20,000 in cash prizes for small business owners
Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth’s entrepreneurial community is once again taking center stage as the Fort Worth Business Plan Competition returns for its 2025 edition, offering a unique opportunity for small business owners to sharpen their skills, fine-tune their vision, and compete for $20,000 in cash prizes.
The annual competition is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurial energy that defines Fort Worth, one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The event honors local innovators across diverse industries who are helping shape the city’s economic future and community character.
“The Fort Worth Business Plan Competition is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that is one of the most beloved hallmarks of the city,” organizers emphasized. “Fort Worth’s trailblazing entrepreneurs are breaking new ground across a variety of different industries, and their work is helping build and shape the character of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.”
At the heart of the competition is a commitment to empowering small business owners with practical tools for long-term success. Participants will undergo weeks of workshops and coaching, culminating in a detailed business plan that includes competitive analysis, financial projections, and strategic planning. This hands-on process is designed to help business owners fully understand their operations and position themselves for growth.
After developing their business plans, competitors will test their ideas on the big stage during the final Pitch Night, where the Top 8 finalists will present to a panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded as follows: $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place, and $4,000 for third place.
Application and Eligibility Details
Applications are now open on the City of Fort Worth website and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation for two to five years, maintain a DBA or physical location within Fort Worth, and report annual revenue under $1 million.
Applicants must also upload business formation documents such as a DBA certificate or registration with the Texas Secretary of State to confirm eligibility.
Once the application period ends, the Top 20 participants selected to advance will be announced in late June. These business owners will engage in a robust curriculum presented in partnership with Frost Bank, the competition’s long-standing co-sponsor, and several community partners, including TechFW, Accelerate Fort Worth, SCORE Fort Worth, and the Tarrant County Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Final business plans are due by Sunday, August 17, and Pitch Night is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14.
With the return of this impactful competition, Fort Worth continues to champion the innovative spirit of its local entrepreneurs—providing not only financial incentives, but also the foundational support needed to turn ambition into success.
