For local businesses
Put your name on a Barberton award.
Each award is $1,000 and goes to a student or local entrepreneur chosen on a published scoring rubric. The goal is $10,000 across 10 categories.
Why sponsor
Back the people who will build Barberton
Every complete entry gets written feedback from a judge who runs a business. Your award is the reason a student gets to hear what a real owner thinks of their idea.
A category in your name
The award you fund is named for you on the competition page, in the category that fits your business.A real result for the community
$1,000 goes to the winner. Launch League takes no equity in any idea and charges entrants nothing.Judges who write
Entries are scored on a public 100-point rubric, and every complete entry gets feedback in writing.Nothing hidden
An award is shown as sponsored only after you have agreed, and the page says how many are confirmed.
Open categories
10 of 10 are open
Pick the one closest to your business, or tell me and I will suggest one.
Community Impact Award
An idea that makes Barberton a better place to live: a service, a program or a fix for a problem your neighbors have.Ages 13+ · $1,000Main Street and Local Business
A shop, service or market that could open on a real Barberton street, or a new use for an empty storefront.Ages 13+ · $1,000Food and Hospitality
Restaurants, food products, catering and events: ideas that give people a reason to come downtown and come back.Ages 13+ · $1,000Manufacturing and Making
A product made here, from a prototype in a school shop to a plan for a real production run. Barberton has a long history of making things.Ages 13+ · $1,000Skilled Trades and Construction
Contracting, fabrication, site services, or a better way to do the work that keeps buildings and machines running.Ages 13+ · $1,000Health and Wellness Innovation
Ideas that improve health, safety or well-being for people in your community, from a fitness program to a new kind of care.Ages 13+ · $1,000Tech Innovation Challenge
An app, a tool, a website or a smarter way to use technology for a customer who needs it.Ages 13+ · $1,000Creative Ventures Challenge
Turn a creative passion into a sustainable business: art, music, media, design, performance or crafts.Ages 13+ · $1,000Green Future Initiative
Ideas that help the environment and create sustainable communities, from reuse and repair to cleaner ways of working.Ages 13+ · $1,000Young Entrepreneur Spotlight
For young people with a big idea in any field. Expert feedback and recognition for the best entry from a student under 18.Ages 13-17 · $1,000
How it works
Simple, and in writing
You write to me
Tell me your business and the category you like. I answer personally within two business days.We agree the terms in writing
What you get, how the payment is made and when, before any money moves. I will not take a payment on a handshake.Your award goes on the page
Once you have agreed, the category is shown as sponsored under your name.Winners are announced
When the competition runs, the winner of your category is named, with your name beside the award.
The competition dates are not set yet. I make no claim about tax treatment of a sponsorship; ask your accountant. Launch League is based in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada.
Ask about an award