Have brand new business or idea? Upcoming competition has grant money

Steven Harmeyer
Feb 21
2 min read

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) -- Entrepreneurs and new business owners have the opportunity to receive a substantial grant through an upcoming competition.

The D.I.C.E. Challenge Community Business Pitch Competition is a ‘Shark-Tank’ style competition that will be hosted by Genesis: Pathways to Success.

It’s for local small businesses who are in the earliest stages of development.

Finalists will be considered for a share of $40,000 in funding and will also be eligible for individualized mentorship and long-term advisory support.

Who is Eligible?

Must reside in and commit to operating the business within one of the following Southeastern Indiana counties: Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, or Switzerland;

Must be a for-profit small business or product concept;

Must be actively working toward business formation or have been operating for 12 months or less as of April 2, 2026;

Lead applicant must be 18 years of age or older;

Must be available to present in person on April 2 at Whiskey City's Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, if selected as a finalist.

The application process is currently open and will end on March 1.

To apply, you must complete the official D.I.C.E. Challenge Application form which you can access here. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee.

Lori Rennekamp serves as the Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator for Genesis: Pathways to Success. She is overseeing the competition and is a former business owner who can relate to the risk of starting something new.

“This Genesis initiative is about giving entrepreneurs the support they need to gain traction, strengthen our region, and turn local ideas into real opportunities. I invite everyone to come experience the competition live and support their neighbors’ dreams,” Rennekamp said.

Finalists will be named on March 16 and the April 2 competition in Lawrenceburg will include a panel of judges who have the sole discretion of awarding the grants.

Contact Rennekamp at lrennekamp@genesisp2s.org or by calling (812) 933-1098 if you have questions or seek additional information.

The D.I.C.E. Challenge is made possible by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Organizations that are not eligible for the competition are: