2nd Annual HYPE Event - Highlighting Young Professional Excellence

Join us for the 2nd Annual HYPE Competition! 

HYPE (Highlighting Young Professional Excellence) is set to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs on November 19, 2025, at the Watermark Solarium in Stevensville, Michigan. The event, designed for young professionals aged 21-40, will feature a dynamic panel discussion and a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, providing a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for valuable capital and in-kind support. Exact prize amounts will be announced as we get closer to the event.

August 1st - Sponsorship Applications Open

August 15th - HYPE Participant Applications Open

September 30th - HYPE Participant Applications Close

October 9th - Welcome to HYPE: Information Session (5:30pm Virtual or In- Person, Mandatory)

October 10th - Sponsorship Applications Close

November 12th - Pre-Selection Night (Closed to the Public)

November 18th - HYPE Rehearsal (Closed to the Public)

November 19th - HYPE

Criteria

To compete, pitch participants must meet certain criteria, including but not limited to:

• Age Requirement: Participants must be between the ages of 21 and 40 at the time of the event.
• Residency or Regional Connection: Applicants should reside in or have a strong connection to the region, such as being a current resident, working in the area, or planning to launch their business locally.
• Entrepreneurial Stage: Must have an established business between 1 and 3 years old.
• Application Process: All participants must complete the application process, including participating in the pre-pitch, submission of a slide-deck, provision of references, etc.

Goals

• Inspire Young Professionals: Motivate and empower attendees by showcasing success stories from young entrepreneurs and professionals who have excelled in their fields.
• Foster Entrepreneurship: Encourage the development of innovative ideas by providing a platform for young professionals to pitch their business and compete for start-up capital.
• Showcase Regional Talent: Highlight the creativity and potential of the region’s young professionals, building the area’s reputation as a hub for innovation and business development.
• Provide Financial Support: Offer start-up capital to winning pitches, giving them the resources needed to launch or grow their businesses as well as technical assistance and support.