The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) is now accepting applications for its annual Launch Pad competition. The program, now in its fourth year, is a competition that offers young and emerging entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket the opportunity to jumpstart their businesses.

“The Launch Pad competition and its subsequent prize package took my company from a grassroots movement in the corner of the country to nationwide and being sold in 23 different countries,” said Ian Lehn, CEO of BOOSTane and winner of the 2014 Launch Pad. “Every step of the way, it was a game changer.”

The competition offers innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an automotive industry platform at the SEMA Show. Competitors submit an online application which is reviewed by industry veterans and experts. The competition culminates at the SEMA Show, where the finalists pitch their businesses to a panel of industry judges during a live event.

This year, participation is open to companies regardless of SEMA or YEN membership.

“Our goal is to find and support the best and brightest in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said John Rosanbalm, YEN chairperson. “Many potential participants may not have the means to become members, and for the first time, these companies will be able to compete in the Launch Pad.”

Also, the number of semifinalist spots has increased from 10 to 14 and finalists have increase from five to 10 participants. All semifinalists receive a prize package that includes a one-year complimentary SEMA membership, and the top 10 finalists receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Following the SEMA Show, Launch Pad competitors in the past have seen successful business growth of 300 percent.

The grand prize package for this year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition includes a SEMA membership, free advertising services, free event sponsorship packages, free use of the SEMA Garage and photography studio, and a FREE turnkey booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.

“The prizes were great, but the publicity that came from just competing in Launch Pad was absolutely invaluable,” said Lehn. “SEMA is really working to support innovation in the aftermarket, and their support of this event has been great for us. We saw immediate sales growth, and are still making connections and growing thanks to Launch Pad.”

Visit https://www.sema.org/launch-pad for more details and an application.