Yes to Startups 2026

Yes to Startups


WHERE BUSINESS BOOTCAMP MEETS SHARK TANK


Applications open Dec 1, 2025 | Yuba County, CA

Yuba County's business accelerator and pitch competition is the ultimate stage for local entrepreneurs to learn business fundamentals and showcase their ideas in a tournament style pitch battle. Promising concepts go head-to-head, vying for top cash prizes and the opportunity to capture the attention of investors, mentors, and strategic partners. Say YES to OPPORTUNITY!

Deadline to Apply
Friday, January 31st, 2026

YES I'M APPLYING →

About the program

A 7-Week Business Bootcamp
The incubator begins with a series of online sessions covering topics that help you learn how to pitch your business and more. The program combines a mix of remote learning, in-person meetups, office hours, and 1-on-1 sessions.

Cohort Connects
In addition to remote learning, Yes to Startups takes the learning offline with in-person meetups where you'll connect with your cohort to share progress, swap ideas, and strengthen your network with fellow local entrepreneurs.

Dedicated Expert Help
Participants are paired with a business advisor from the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to support the development of your business plan.

Pitch Competitions
The program wraps up with two pitch competitions. Take the stage and put your new skills and knowledge into practice in front of a distinguished panel of judges, a live audience and compete for top honors and prizes.

Key benefits

Prize Money

Compete in the pitch competition for an opportunity to win up to $10K.

No-Cost

Access expert business training at no-cost to you.

Pitch Development

Craft a pitch that lets you confidently share your business to investors, partners, and customers.

Financial Insights

Develop financial projections to guide your business growth.

Build Connections

Connect with local entrepreneurs and build relationships that open doors.

Practical Experience

Gain knowledge that you can take with you in the real world.

Entry Criteria

Participants that are chosen fit the criteria below:

  • Must provide proof of Yuba County residency with a home-based business, or operate a physical business location in Yuba County, CA.
  • Operate a for-profit business
  • Have not previously participated in a Yes to Startups program.
  • Have started or plan to start their business on or after January 1, 2023.
  • If selected, must sign a Participation Agreement to confirm placement in the program.

We are committed to serving our entrepreneur community, and encourage applications from all qualified startups

How It Works

  • Application: Submit your application detailing your innovative solution, market potential, and expertise.
  • Selection: An expert panel reviews all submissions and selects the most promising startups.
  • 7-Week Business Bootcamp: Participate in a series of workshops online, cohort meetups, and 1-on-1 advising.
  • Pitch Competition Round 1: All applicants who complete the program compete against other startups, presenting their vision and growth potential to impress the judges.
  • Advancement: Advance to the next round by demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and market readiness, competing for a spot in the finals.
  • Grand Finale Round 2: The top 10 takes the stage in the grand finale, pitching for top ranks and up to $10,000 in prize money.

Butte Sauce Co. wins $10,000 at Yes to Startups 2025!

Butte Sauce Company - 1st place

Butte Sauce Co. is redefining what hot sauce can be, offering bold tropical flavors, patiently craft-fermented to deliver depth, balance, and a natural shelf life without shortcuts.

Founded by Matt Smith and Anthony Meyer, two friends whose friendly recipe competition turned into something much bigger, The Butte Sauce Co. was born out of curiosity, creativity, and a shared love of flavor. What began as a kitchen experiment quickly grew into months of trial and error—testing, fermenting, and refining—to create some of the most unique and flavor-forward hot sauces on the market today.

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"We would recommend this program to any small business looking for an edge and insight to take them to the next level. Being a part of this program has been transformative for us both personally and as a small business from learning more about the ins and outs of developing a viable business plan to learning all the right information about the regulatory process for bringing our amazing products to market. Our weekly sessions and workshops have been easy to follow and super informative about the best paths to take and its instructors have maintained an amazing "open door" policy always willing to assist and let us ask questions."

ANTHONY MEYER, OWNER OF THE BUTTE SAUCE CO

Little Pieces of Joy received $7,500 and plans to expand her sourdough business!

Little Pieces of Joy - 2nd place

Little Pieces of Joy is a home-based sourdough company in Yuba County, offering a variety of naturally leavened baked goods made from their signature starter, Joy. Their mission is to bring high-quality, gut-healthy bread directly to the doorstep of their neighbors!

Wonder Woods Early Education wins $5K!

Wonder Woods Early Education - 3rd Place

Wonder Woods Early Education is a private preschool based in Plumas Lake transforming a model home into a learning space!

This program has been a game changer for getting my small business up and running. I have learned a wealth of information. 

Signing up for the YES to startups program was the best decision I have made for my small business so far!

Renae Johnson Little Pieces of Joy, Owner, $7.5K Winner

I felt the program was informative and forced me to organize my business ideas in the best way possible. I had a lot of fun getting to know other local business owners. Working 1-on-1 with an advisor gave me access to business resources I didn’t even know existed. It was great to have additional support while starting a business.

Destiny Waltermire Wonder Woods Early Education, Owner, $5K Winner

I am truly grateful for all the support, resource, guidance and opportunity from this program. Each one of the team members is kind and an expert in their field. I truly look forward to continuing to collaborate and work with my advisor in the future. I’d highly recommend this startup program to anyone dreaming of their own business.

Courtney Trumm Sip and Shine Mama, Owner, 2025 Finalist

Yes To Startups has been amazing! I have gained so much information and knowledge about running a business. This program has helped me understand the ins & outs that make a successful business—from the customer's view to behind the scenes with financials, permits, marketing, and much more! Yes to Startups is such a phenomenal program.

The best part of this program is getting to network with other businesses in the Yuba County area and watching everyone's dreams come to life. The excitement I have received back from Yes to Startups has made it easier to ease my nerves in accomplishing my goal. I want to thank everyone at Yes to Startups for giving me this opportunity in achieving my dream.

Jeanne Gutierrez Jeanne's Weenies, Owner, 2025 Finalist

The Yes To Startups program was a huge benefit as I started my new business. Before joining, I had been trying to put together a business plan but felt lost and overwhelmed. The program helped me think more deeply about my goals and how to reach them. I ended up with a business plan that really reflects what I want to achieve and financial projections that are much more realistic.

One unexpected benefit was connecting with other new business owners—their stories and excitement were very motivating. I would highly recommend Yes To Startups to anyone looking to launch their business with the right support, skills, and community. It was a great experience for new startup companies.”

Michael Williams Rodent Wrangler, Owner, $5K Winner

  • Frequently asked questions

    • What is Yes to Startups?

      In partnership with the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center, Yes to Startups is Yuba County’s small business incubator program for entrepreneurs and businesses located in Yuba County. The program is a mix of online training, workshops, 1-on-1 advising, and live competitions. It is designed to help you with business ideation, planning, financial management and go-to-market strategy, so you can turn your ideas into an investable business.

    • Who should apply to Yes to Startups?

      The business incubator program is best suited for entrepreneurs with a business less than three years old or aspiring entrepreneurs with an innovative, revenue generating business idea. Selected entrepreneurs must be available to join all program elements. In order to ensure Yuba County can provide meaningful support, you or your business should be located in Yuba County, CA.

      Applicant requirements:

      1. Be at least 18 years old.
      2. Must provide proof of Yuba County residency, or operate a physical business location in Yuba County, CA.
      3. Must be a for-profit business.
      4. Cannot have participated in any previous Yes to Startups programs.
      5. Must have started, or plan to start, your business on or after January 1, 2023.
      6. If selected, you must sign a Participation Agreement to confirm your spot in the program.
    • Key Dates

      December 1, 2025 - Applications open

      January 31, 2026 - Application period closes

      February 6 - Applicants will be notified of acceptance

      February 10 - Yes to Startups program kick off (in-person)

      February - April - Business Bootcamp Sessions

      April 16 - Practice Pitch

      April 30-May 1 - Yes to Startups Round 1

      May 7 - Yes to Startups Round 2: the Grand Finale

    • What is the program structure?

      The program runs for a period of seven-weeks and includes a mix of remote learning once a week, 1-on-1 advising, office hours, and in-person meetups. As part of the Yes to Startups program, selected entrepreneurs develop a business plan, financial projections, and pitch deck while receiving guidance from Sacramento Valley SBDC advisors. Additionally, entrepreneurs get an opportunity to practice their pitches in front of the cohort.

      The program concludes with a two-round pitch competition. All entrepreneurs who complete the course are invited to pitch in Round 1, and the top 10 advance to Round 2: the Grand Finale, where they will present their pitches at a public event to a panel of judges, investors, and the community.

    • What are the criteria to be eligible for the pitch competition?

      Participants must meet specific requirements outlined in the Participant Agreement to be eligible to advance to the pitch competitions. Learn more about the Participant Agreement [link to participant agreement here].

    • What awards are offered?

      At the end of the program, Yes to Startups will take part in two pitch competitions. The top 10 entrepreneurs who advance to Round 2: the Grand Finale have the opportunity to pitch for cash awards intended to support the launch or growth of their business. Awards will be distributed as follows:

      • First Place: $10,000
      • Second Place: $7,500
      • Third Place: $5,000
      • Remaining seven Round 2 participants: $2,500 each

      All awards are subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with program rules. Yuba County and Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center reserve the right to modify award amounts or withhold prizes if program requirements are not met or in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

    • Does Yuba County or Sac Valley SBDC maintain relationships with participants?

      We are committed to supporting the ongoing journey of our Yes to Startups entrepreneurs. Participants will continue to have access to support at Yuba County, Sacramento Valley SBDC, Yes to Startups events, and more.

      Additionally, a big part of our program focuses on helping entrepreneurs build impactful networks, so Yuba County and the Sacramento Valley SBDC continue cultivating relationships with participants after the formal incubator program concludes. We also tap into alumni for speaking opportunities, set up booths at future pitch events and more.

For additional questions about the program or application, contact Ashley Potočnik at apotocnik@yuba.gov.