Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge recognizes five small businesses with funding

The 2025 Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge recently recognized five local businesses with funding following a unique opportunity to access one-on-one business coaching from America’s Small Business Development Center at UT Permian Basin. Funded by the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) and administered by the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), this annual challenge serves small businesses and startups in Midland city limits.

The competition kicks off in the fall of each year and follows a six-phase journey starting with a business plan consultation before moving into structuring a business, learning about lending and taxation, marketing, business development and pitching, and the final phase, a pitch presentation where businesses compete for a share of $500,000 in funding.

Celebrating development in Midland

Midland, Texas is well- known for its pioneering spirit, and the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge builds on this tradition by fostering a culture of innovation. By creating a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and receive valuable support from local experts, the challenge fuels the growth of new businesses and drives economic diversification in the region.

Building small businesses with mentorship

At the heart of the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge is a commitment to mentorship and guidance. When entrepreneurs register for the event, they are welcomed into a supportive environment designed to promote successful business growth. Through business coaching, executive support, and networking opportunities, participants gain the knowledge and skills they need to develop and execute effective business plans.

A Journey to Business Success

For entrepreneurs, the journey from concept to reality is often fraught with challenges. However, the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge provides a clear path forward. Participants are guided through a rigorous evaluation process following orientation. A panel of independent judges carefully assesses each business proposal, ultimately selecting a handful of winners to receive a share of the $500,000 in award money. These judges are not affiliated with the MDC, SBDC, or UTPB, and their identities are kept confidential until the awards ceremony. After winning, funds are disbursed to the businesses as reimbursements as they certify that their growth plans are being correctly executed.

The Winners of the 2025 Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge

This year, the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge celebrated the success of five outstanding local businesses:

• Pearl Head Spa - $75,000 award
• KidTown Daycare - $100,000 award
• I’d Rather Bake - $150,000 award
• Flourish Speech Therapy - $75,000 award
• AnnGee’s Barber Academy - $100,000 award

This year’s winners represent a variety of business sectors. The diversity reflects the innovation of Midland’s entrepreneurs while showcasing the region’s potential for sustained growth and long-term prosperity.

Long-term impacts of entrepreneurial investments

Local businesses benefit immediately from the additional capital, but the challenge creates many long-term perks for the entire community. All businesses competing in the challenge receive crucial support allowing them to create jobs, stimulate innovation, and build a business environment capable of attracting new enterprises to the city.

The Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge catalyzes growth and innovation in Midland, Texas. This annual contest embodies the spirit of opportunity defining the region by empowering entrepreneurs, nurturing small businesses, and fueling economic growth. As the winners of this year's challenge continue to thrive and expand, they will nurture the business leaders of tomorrow.

Learn more about the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge here, and visit the Midland Economic Development website to explore small business resources.