Startup competitions can help build momentum and raise awareness as well as capital for emerging companies. 2021 was a banner year for early-stage venture capital funding across the U.S., with over $80 billion raised, according to financial database Pitchbook. 

Here are five startup competitions happening soon:

1.    Houston Community College Business Plan Competition – Deadline to apply: Jan. 28

The competition is for proposed, startup and existing entrepreneurs to develop focused plans to launch or grow their businesses. The program begins in February, and involves six virtual training sessions. It concludes with an awards ceremony in June. Last year the HCC competition awarded $26,000 in seed money to the top five teams in addition to in-kind prizes and support services. Click here to apply.

2.    Rice Business Plan Competition – Deadline to apply: Jan. 31

This  is the largest and richest intercollegiate startup competition in the world. Last year 54 teams from around the world competed for more than $1.6 million in cash and prizes. The competition will be hosted in-person at Rice University on April 7-9. Click here for eligibility and how to apply.

3.    Texas A&M New Ventures Competition – Deadline to apply: Feb. 27

This competition recognizes Texas-based companies with high-growth potential and provides seed funding to help startups execute their ideas and advance product development. Last year’s prize pool was nearly $500,000 and TNVC will announce the 2022 prize pool soon. Houston represents 41% of the competitor teams. The competition is May 18-19. Click here for competition rules.

4.    Black Girl Ventures' Change Agent Fellowship – Deadline to apply: Feb. 15

The fellowship is a nine-month leadership skills development program created to help early-stage Black and Brown female entrepreneurs grow. It includes a $10,000 stipend and the opportunity to select eight to 10 Black and Brown women founders to receive capital through the BGV Pitch Competition. Click here for more information. 

5.    First Annual MarMo Pitch Competition – Deadline to apply: Jan. 31

The competition is for life sciences and biotech-based pitches. Five teams will be chosen to pitch original ideas to a panel of business experts and an audience of entrepreneurs, small business owners and potential investors. The prize pool is $20,000 in cash prizes. Click here for rules and eligibility.

Houston’s startup ecosystem is thriving. There are more than 50 incubator and accelerator programs and startup development organizations in the region. In 2021, Houston startups raised more than $2 billion in funding, a record high for the area and a 610% increase compared with 2016, according to Pitchbook.