Tickets on Sale Now at www.igniteks.com and Available at the Door
GREAT BEND, Kan. — The entrepreneurial energy of Central Kansas will take center stage this Thursday at 7:00 PM as the third annual Ignite Rural Business Competition lights up the Crest Theatre in downtown Great Bend.
Hosted by Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), Ignite Rural celebrates the innovation and resilience of rural entrepreneurs. This year’s competition features five local finalists vying for $95,000 in total prize funding to help launch or expand their businesses.
The 2025 finalists are:
Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company
Coach K9 Training Academy
Bin Wranglers
Great Bend Play Place
Tankquility Aquarium
Contestants will pitch their business ideas live on stage before a panel of judges and a full audience. The top three winners will receive $50,000 for first place, $30,000 for second, and $10,000 for third.
Adding to the excitement, audience members will have the opportunity to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award, which includes a $5,000 cash prize.
“This competition has become one of the most anticipated events of the year in Great Bend,” said AJ Crest, Member of the GBED Entrepreneurship Committee and GBED Board of Directors. “Ignite Rural showcases the creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit that make our community thrive. It’s an inspiring night for everyone who believes in the future of rural Kansas.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.igniteks.com, where additional event details and finalist information are available. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Crest Theatre, Great Bend, KS
Tickets: On sale now at www.igniteks.com and available at the door
Bar: Provided by the Historic Wolf Hotel
About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development)
The Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. is a public/private partnership focusing on economic development efforts in Great Bend, Kansas. Its mission is to improve the economic quality of life for working families in the community by creating jobs through the retention, recruitment, and expansion of businesses; strengthening the workforce through education and training; improving and increasing the number of living-wage jobs; and expanding the tax base through increased capital investment.
For more information about GBED, visit www.gbedinc.com or call (620) 796-2407.
