3rd Annual HYPE - Highlight Young Professional Excellence Pitch Competition
SAVE THE DATE – HYPE IS RETURNING NOVEMBER 18TH, 2026!
HYPE (Highlighting Young Professional Excellence) is set to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs for the third year on November 18, 2026, 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.
- July 31st – Sponsorship Applications Open
- August 10th – HYPE Participant Applications Open
- September 14th – “Ticket Sales” Open
- September 30th – HYPE Participant Applications Close
- October 6th – Welcome to HYPE: Information Session (5:30pm Virtual or In-Person, Mandatory – Closed to the Public)
- October 19th – Sponsorship Applications Close
- November 10th – Pre-Selection Night (Closed to the Public)
- November 17th – HYPE Rehearsal (Closed to the Public)
- November 18th – HYPE: Reserve Your Seat HERE.
Event Schedule
The event begins with a panel discussion highlighting young entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in Southwest Michigan. In the second part of the event, a Shark Tank style Pitch Competition takes place, with the panelists serving as the judges.
The Panel (5 - 6:30 PM)
The Pitch (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
3rd Annual HYPE - Highlight Young Pro...
Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 18, 2026
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
Doors Open: 5:00PM
Location
Solarium by Watermark
2688 Kimmel Street
Stevensville, MI 49127 US
Fees/Admission
$5.00 Donation Suggested
Printed courtesy of www.smrchamber.com – Contact the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber for more information.
811 Ship Street , St. Joseph, MI 49085 – (269) 932-4042 – info@smrchamber.com