Launch Pitch Fest
Compete in the 3rd Annual Launch Pitch Fest
On October 26th, 2023, join us for our Emerge Innovation Hub 3rd Annual Pitch Night, in partnership with the Women’s Business Center (WBC), sponsored by Whirlpool!
At this “shark-tank” styled pitch competition, we will be awarding Micro Grants to three (3) Emerging Businesses AND three (3) Accelerating Businesses (see below for eligibility criteria).
Emerging Business Awards:
- 1st Place – $7,500
- 2nd Place – $3,000
- Crowd Favorite – $2,000
Accelerating Business Awards:
- 1st Place – $20,000
- 2nd Place – $10,000
- Crowd Favorite – $5,000
By investing in our amazing local small-business community, we look forward to growing entrepreneurship in Berrien County!
Applications Are Due Thursday, September 21st!
Apply to Be a Pitch Contestant
To apply as a pitch contestant for this year’s event, please fill out one (1) of the application forms below based on your business’s eligibility.
Businesses operating in the sectors of Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Gaming, Firearms, or those promoting specific political candidates, representatives, parties, or ideologies are ineligible for application.
- Owned and operated by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
- Located in Berrien County
Priority is given to those that have attended at least 1 Emerge Innovation Hub Entrepreneur Hangout Meeting
Accelerating Business Eligibility Criteria:
- Owned and operated by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
- Located in Berrien County
- Clear vision, mission and business plan established
- Operating more than 2 years
- Annual business revenue >$25,000
- Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) presented during pitch including revenue & profit
- Grant to be used for measurable return on investment:
- Expand users, customers or markets
- Expand products and services
- Hire new employees
- Invest in efficient processes
- Winners encouraged to coach/mentor other businesses
- Winners to submit a grant progress report six months after winning
Priority is given to those that have attended at least 1 Emerge Innovation Hub Entrepreneur Hangout Meeting
After filling out your application, our team at Emerge will reach out to you regarding any more info that we may need during the application process.
Please tell all of your family, friends, and networks about this exciting event, and we look forward to reviewing your applications!
Launch Pitch Fest Partners & Sponsors
