Welcome to the application for the 2024 Virginia FAIRS Agriculture and Forestry Innovation Challenge, referred to herein as the “Bull Pen”. The Bull Pen is a statewide business competition for Virginia entrepreneurs who are addressing issues affecting Virginia farmers, forest landowners and rural communities. Up to five finalists will be selected from among all eligible contest entries. These five businesses will compete live December 2–3, 2024 during the 2024 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.
By the conclusion of the Bull Pen, the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability will have awarded up to $30,000 in startup funds to the Bull Pen winner and finalist businesses. Each finalist will receive a $2,500 prize. The second-place entry will receive an additional $5,000 prize. The overall winning entry will be awarded an additional $10,000 prize. All finalists are eligible to compete for an additional $2,500 People’s Choice award.
The content of the application and required additional information will be used to compare all Bull Pen applications during Round 1 judging to determine the 2023 Bull Pen Finalists.
To apply for the 2023 Virginia FAIRS Agriculture and Forestry Innovation Challenge “Bull Pen”, complete and submit this application form and required supporting entry materials no later than September 16, 2024 at 11:59 pm EDT. Applicants may save and print both draft and final versions of the application; however, you may only submit one final application per account. If an application is submitted in error, please contact bullpen@vafairs.com.