startuppdxchallengeStartup PDX Challenge is back for its second annual competition, welcoming a diverse set of entrepreneurs vying for a top prize of $15,000, free office space for 12 months and a handful of free startup services.

Run by the Portland Development Commission, the Challenge is designed to support early-stage startups for one year and spur entrepreneurial growth in the Rose City. A group of investors, founders and accelerator managers will review applicants and ultimately pick the winners.

As The Oregonian’s Mike Rogoway outlines here, the PDC puts an emphasis on veterans, women and minorities.

“We are also seeking companies that are led by teams or founders who are diverse in terms of gender, race, and other demographics that are typically underrepresented in the startup community,” PDC writes. “We do not have any specific criteria around demographics but in our selection we will strongly consider diversity of the leadership team and how that team will add more diversity to Portland’s startup community.”

The PDC is looking for startups with 2-to-10 employees in the tech, consumer, B2B or value-added food products/services areas that have ambitions to scale nationally or internationally with 50 percent of sales outside of Oregon.

Here’s what the Challenge winners will take home:

  • $15,000 working capital grant (no equity taken)
  • Free rent for one year in Old Town starting on Oct. 1.
  • Free legal services
  • Free marketing and PR services
  • Free hiring and HR services
  • Free memberships and access to seven different organizations and programs that focus on entrepreneurs

And here’s what finalists will win:

  • Scholarship to entrepreneurship class at Small Business Development Center
  • Discounted rate at Forge Portland coworking space
  • Free memberships and access to seven different organizations and programs that focus on entrepreneurs

You can apply here for $25 before June 23. More info here at the FAQ.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.