Entrepreneurs gear up for $20,000 prize pool in Fort Worth’s 2025 business showdown
Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth is once again throwing its support behind small business owners with the return of its 2025 Business Plan Competition — a well-loved initiative designed to help local entrepreneurs take their ventures to the next level.
The annual competition, hosted by the City of Fort Worth in partnership with Frost Bank and a host of local business support organizations, offers more than just prize money. It’s an opportunity for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to sharpen their strategies, refine their goals, and gain hands-on experience that could set the tone for long-term success.
This year’s event stays true to its mission: spotlighting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that defines Fort Worth. The city has become a hotspot for innovation, with small businesses driving economic momentum across a variety of industries. The Business Plan Competition is one of the city’s key tools in helping these business owners thrive.
Applicants accepted into the program will go through a multi-week process of workshops and coaching, all designed to guide them in developing a detailed and viable business plan. Participants will examine their markets, crunch financial numbers, and fine-tune their messaging — ultimately preparing to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges. The stakes are high: $20,000 in total cash prizes are up for grabs, with the winner walking away with $10,000, second place receiving $6,000, and third place earning $4,000.
To qualify, business owners must meet a few key criteria: they need to have been operating for at least two but no more than five years, maintain a DBA or business registration within Fort Worth city limits, and earn less than $1 million annually. Applicants are also required to submit proof of eligibility through official documents, such as a DBA certificate or business registration papers.
Applications are currently open on the City of Fort Worth’s website and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. After the application window closes, 20 finalists will be chosen to participate in business development classes starting in late June. The final round — “Pitch Night” — will take place on Tuesday, October 14, where the top eight competitors will present their business plans to a panel of judges.
The competition is supported by a network of partners including TechFW, Accelerate Fort Worth, the Tarrant County Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE Fort Worth, and others, all contributing mentorship and professional guidance to help participants succeed.
For Fort Worth entrepreneurs, this isn’t just a contest — it’s a launchpad.
