Cafés, breweries, and nail salons. Construction trades, aviation, and industry. Biotech, health tech, and software. Every kind of business this valley actually runs on belongs on this stage — and one 4CD class, credit or not, makes you eligible.
One active 4CD enrollment. Any course at CCC, DVC, or Los Medanos — including a non-credit Community Education class.
A short description of the business idea, plus a slide presentation of no more than 15 slides. No video.
Up to five people. Solo founders welcome. Enter more than once if you like — finalists pitch once.
An existing business can enter if it has under $25,000 in total assets or annual revenue.
Amounts shown are the 2025 finals. The 2026 districtwide edition scales prizes to the expanded field; final amounts are confirmed when finalists are named. Every finalist is also paired with mentors for deck reviews, pitch coaching, and dry runs.