Great Bend Post
The big moment is set for tonight: one lucky area business will receive $50,000 as the grand-prize winner in Great Bend Economic Development's IGNITE Rural Business Competition. A total of $95,000 will be handed out this evening at the Crest Theatre in downtown Great Bend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 6 p.m. Thanks to INA Alert, admission is free. The event will also be livestreamed by Eagle Media and Great Bend Post.
Five finalists were originally scheduled to attend tonight's finale, but one had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. That leaves the following four businesses:
- Great Bend Play Place
- Sugar Co.
- The Book Cellar
- The Zarah Coffee Shop
Judges will determine the top three places, but the public can vote on a People's Choice winner that will receive $5,000. The second-place winner will receive $30,000, and third place receives $10,000. Ignite is open to both new and existing businesses located in Barton County.
Check out a small profile on each of the four finalists Great Bend Economic Development's Facebook page.