You hit submit. Here is what happens next, in order, with no surprises.
1. You get a confirmation email
Shortly after you submit, you should get an email titled Application Received. It confirms we have your application and includes your private link to Rescue HQ, your applicant portal.
If you don't see it, check your spam or promotions folder, then add our address to your contacts so future updates land in your inbox. Still nothing? Write to hello@aiventureholdings.com from the email address you applied with and we'll sort it out.
2. Your application is scored
Every complete application is scored with AI (Anthropic's Claude) across the four dimensions in the Official Rules: urgency of need, AI-readiness, potential business impact, and application authenticity. Top-scoring applications are then reviewed personally by Mike Morgan, Founder and CEO of AI Venture Holdings. The final decision is at the Sponsor's sole discretion, as the rules explain.
AI scores are a tool for the review, not the decision. You can read more in How Judging Works.
3. Rescue HQ opens up
Your portal shows:
- Your status — where your application stands right now
- Your AI blueprint — a personalized starting plan built from your answers (see Your AI Blueprint, Explained)
- The video library — short lessons you can watch on your own time
- Community events — our weekly Rescue Live webinar, our weekly X Space called The Rescue Room, and monthly office hours
- Your referral link — for inviting other businesses (see How Referrals Work)
Your portal link works like a key. Keep it private. More on that in Using Rescue HQ.
4. You hear from us by email
While applications are open, we'll send you useful material about putting AI to work in a business like yours, plus updates on the contest. Every marketing email has an unsubscribe link. Messages about your application itself, like a status change, still come through even if you unsubscribe from the rest. Details are in our Communications and Consent Policy.
5. Applications close and finalists are reviewed
There is no fixed closing date. In the words of the Official Rules: Applications are open now. We'll close applications once we have enough strong applicants to choose from, and we'll announce the winner shortly after. Apply early — there's no advantage to waiting.
We'll announce the winner after applications close and every finalist has been reviewed.
6. A winner is picked and the rescue starts
The 60-day deployment begins shortly after the winner is announced. The winner receives up to $50,000 in AI agency services delivered over 60 days, with up to 12 months of support afterward, and agrees to be filmed during the deployment. See Prize Details and Being on the Show.
What you can do right now
- Open Rescue HQ and read your blueprint
- Pick one quick win from it and try it this week
- Join a Rescue Live session or The Rescue Room
- If you know another business that's struggling, tell them about the contest the right way (see Inviting Other Businesses the Right Way)
You don't need to do anything else for your application to be considered. Attending events and sharing your referral link are optional and are not part of the judging criteria in the Official Rules.