Entering its 14th year, BOOST has been a longstanding program to support emerging entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for products and services that promote environmental sustainability in Midwest communities. What’s extra special about BOOST? It is a pitch competition where you — the audience — vote to determine who wins the grand prize at the end of the evening: a $5,000 small business grant!
Save the date! Earth Day 2026
This year’s BOOST event will take place on Earth Day! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in downtown Chicago. Our venue announcement and ticket sales will launch soon.
Some of Our Past BOOST winners include:
Jannice Newson of Lillian Augusta Beauty
Gillian Jackson of Snail Catalog
Quilen Blackwell of Southside Blooms
Call for applications
Applications for BOOST are now live! If you or someone you know is looking to launch a small business, nonprofit, or other kind of start-up with sustainability at its heart, please consider applying to BOOST! Applications are live until January 18, 2026. More information about eligibility and the event itself is posted in the application.
How does BOOST work?
#1 – Finalists Pitch their Ideas
Between 3 and 5 finalists, selected by the Delta Emerging Leaders, pitch their ideas in front of a live audience.
#2 – You Vote
After hearing all the ideas, guests cast their votes online for their favorite start-ups.
#3 – Funding Awarded
After voting, we award small business grants to all the finalists, with the largest grant awarded to the winning start-up which gained the most votes.
Organized by the Delta Emerging Leaders
BOOST is organized annually by the Delta Emerging Leaders associate board. Click here to learn more about the work of the “DELs.”
Sponsorships
Interested in having your business, foundation, or family showcase your support for entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability? Sponsorship packages start at $1,000 and include unique recognition opportunities, including naming rights for the awards. Please email Patrick Murphy for more information.