Whenever entrepreneurs take the stage at 1 Million Cups, they’re hoping to share their company’s story and connect with potential customers, investors and advisers.

But the Kauffman Foundation, which created the national program, has decided to sweeten the pot with its “One in a Million” pitch competition this fall. First prize is $10,000.

“Entrepreneurs who present at 1 Million Cups hone their presentation skills and gain helpful insights about their business model,” said Wendy Guillies, Kauffman Foundation president and CEO.

“The One in a Million competition will offer personalized mentoring from experts and brings the excitement of competition to a national stage—all to showcase what educational support can do for an entrepreneur.”

Fifteen finalists from across the country will be invited to Kansas City on Nov. 17-18 to deliver their presentations during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The contest is open only to startups that have previously presented at one of 1 Million Cups’ many affiliates across the country. (More than 5,000 companies are part of that group.)

Interested entrepreneurs must apply online by Aug. 7 at www.kauffman.org/1NAM. Participating companies must be less than 5 years old, and they must have a scalable business plan. They’ll be judged on their company’s long-term potential, marketability and how well the presenters make their cases to the judges.

The second- and third-place finishers will receive $5,000 and $1,000, respectively.