2024 Prize Competition

The Springboard Prize Competition was launched and implemented in 2024 made possible by funding and support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

This first phase of the prize competition was designed to incentivize a new wave of participants, energy, and entrepreneurial activity throughout WNY.

A comprehensive, multi-faceted marketing communications plan helped the prize competition attract nearly 450 applications, earn over 8 million impressions and award 26 prizes totaling over $600,000 to organizations across the region. Winning applications were announced at regional events at NextCorps in Rochester, Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo and Jamestown Community College in Olean.

Coming Soon: Prize Competition Year 2 Will Award Another $500,000

For Year 2, the competition has one round of prizes. At least $500,000 will be awarded to a number of ecosystem-building organizations and programs focused on activities, networking, and events that grow and expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout WNY. Details on the Year 2 competition, again made possible by support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, will become available in the coming weeks. To receive updates on the prize competition and other Springboard activities, join our eNews list.