Resource Center

High-growth food and agriculture startups from across the globe will compete to win up to $1 million

Grow-NY Resource Center

Congratulations on becoming a mentor/finalist in the 2026 Grow-NY Food & Ag Competition. We are excited to see you through to the final pitch competition for a finalist team’s chance to win up to $1 million.

This Resource Center will help you find information about the competition, including details on the Summit and Awards Ceremony, as well as business development resources.

Grow- NY Food & Ag Summit 2026
November 12-13, 2026
at
DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester
1111 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY, US

To make comments, suggestions, or ask a question, contact: [email protected]

Competition Timeline

Mentors

Resources for Grow-NY Mentors

Reports
- Weekly Report Submission (due Fridays at 5pm)
- Judge Summary Report (due 10/31) – Find the link in your Week 9 email!
Feedback
- Schedule Your Post-Summit 1:1 Feedback Meeting (FOR MENTORS ONLY)

Guides, Tools, and Resources
- Regional Resource Guide – Find the link in your weekly email!
- Grow-NY Impact Template for Finalists
- Regional Visit Details and Expectations
- Regional Contacts Meeting Tracker Tool
- Mentor Bios
- Finance Guidelines
- Travel Reimbursement Form
Recordings & Decks
- Business Development Phase Kickoff Event (8/26) Slide Deck
- Mentor Post Summit Debrief Recording (11/21)

Finalists

Resources for Grow-NY Finalists

Pitch
- - Pitch Guidelines
  - Upload Your Pitch Deck
  - Submit your Finalist Attestation
- Regional Economic Impact Analysis
  - Webinar (with Todd Schmit) (9/3)
  - Template
  - Info Sheet
- Pitch Prep Webinar (with Brad Treat) (9/4)
  - - Watch This Before 9/4/26
    - Schedule a 1:1 Pitch Critique with Brad Treat (Calendly)
- Pitch Design, Development, & Delivery Webinar (with Julia Felice) 9/8
  - Schedule your Pitch Design, Development, & Delivery Consultation (Calendly)
Application Updates
- Update Your Application
Financial Summary
- 2026 Financial Summary Template
- Example Cap Table
- 2025 Financial Summary Template
- Schedule Q&A Follow Up with Ken
- Financial Summary Template Q&A Recording (2025)
- 2024 Financial Summary Template Webinar Recording

Finalist Showcase
- Finalist Showcase Guidelines
Sampling at Summit
Competition
Prizewinner Investments
- Investment Agreement 101 for Grow-NY Finalists
- Audience Choice Award Outline
Finalist Feedback
- Mentor Bios
- Schedule Post Summit 1:1 Judge Feedback Meeting (FOR FINALISTS ONLY)
Regional Visit and Summit Travel
- Regional Visit Details and Expectations
- Finance Guidelines
Business Development Phase Webinars
- Recordings – Find the links in your email!
Guides, Tools, and Resources
- Finance Guidelines
- Entrepreneur Resources
- Food & Ag Resources
- Grow-NY Impact Template
- Finalist Promotion Digital Toolkit
- Regional Contacts Meeting Tracker Tool
- 2026 Regional Resource Guide – Find the link in your weekly email!
- Recordings
- Pitch Prep Webinar Recordings
  - - - 2025 Webinar Recording
      - 2025 Webinar Slide Deck
  - Julia Felice
    - 9/16 Webinar Recording
    - 9/16 Webinar Slide Deck
  - Summit Finalist Pitch Playlist
    - 2025
    - 2024
    - 2023
    - 2022
    - 2021
    - 2020

Summit and Finalist Showcase

Promote It
- Finalist Promotional Toolkit
- Summit Promotion Digital Toolkit
- Grow-NY’s Social Media Network
Summit Experience
- 2025 Food and Ag Summit Agenda
- 2025 Mentor & Finalist Itinerary (Overview) (Detailed)
Getting There
- Map/Directions/Places
Guidelines, Tools and Resources:
- Invite Your Regional Contacts – Discount Code “HALF”
- Finalist Discount Codes (2 complementary tickets per team)

FAQs