COMING SOON WINTER 2025
Win $10,000 in 10-Weeks
To Startup or Grow Your Business in Yuba County, CA
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Imagine achieving the business you’ve always wanted, and seeing it thriving because you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
Yes to Startups is a free, online training series that helps entrepreneurs learn the basics of starting and growing a business.
You’ll get step-by-step lessons on how to make a business plan and create a pitch deck (a set of slides to show your business idea).
If you make it to the next level, you'll get to compete in a two-part pitch competition for a chance to win up to $10,000!
Who is Eligible to Participate?
This program welcomes entrepreneurs from different industries in Yuba County! Here are the requirements:
- Must be a Yuba County resident with a homebase business OR have a physical business location in Yuba County, CA.
- Must be a for-profit business.
- Cannot have received CA Dream Fund monies or participated in prior Yes to Startups Programs.
- Must have started or plan to start your businesses after January 1, 2022
*Applications will be scored; top 30 selected. Notifications by Month, Day 2026.
The Pitch Competition
At the end of the program, participants will compete in a two-part pitch competition.
Round 1 is open to everyone who completes the educational portion of the program.
You’ll pitch your business plan and idea to a local panel of professionals, including business advisors, mission-based lenders, and more.
You’ll also get one-on-one advising to improve your pitch.
If you’re not selected to move on to Round 2, you’ll still receive $1,000 for your efforts!
Round 2 will invite 10 entrepreneurs to compete. Awards will be given out as follows:
First Place: $10,000
Second Place: $7,500
Third Place: $5,000
All other participants in Round 2 will receive $2,500 to celebrate their success!
