EMERGE INNOVATION HUB PITCH NIGHT OCTOBER 22

EMERGE INNOVATION HUB PITCH NIGHT OCTOBER 22

Over $50,000 in Micro Grants to be Given to Local Businesses

Benton Harbor, Michigan – For the fourth consecutive year, Emerge Innovation Hub (Emerge) has the pleasure of spotlighting and supporting underresourced and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) businesses in Southwest Michigan through their highly anticipated Launch Pitch Fest competition. This year, Emerge has partnered with Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and the Whirlpool Corporation to award over $50,000 in Micro Grants to deserving local businesses.

The public is invited to attend this event on Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:00 p.m. inside The GhostLight Theatre. Micro Grant awards will be distributed in two categories: Emerging Businesses and Accelerating Businesses. Each category will feature three winners, including one Crowd Favorite, as voted by those in attendance.

Total awarded Micro Grants for each respective category are:

Emerging Business Awards:

    •    1st Place - $8,000

    •    2nd Place - $3,500

    •    Crowd Favorite - $2,500

Accelerating Business Awards:

    •    1st Place - $22,000

    •    2nd Place - $12,000

    •    Crowd Favorite - $6,000

“We are incredibly excited to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of our local entrepreneurs at this year’s Pitch Night,” said Ambie Bell, Executive Director of Emerge Innovation Hub. “Our commitment to fostering equity and creating opportunities for growth within our business ecosystem continues to drive the success of underresourced businesses in Berrien County.”

“On behalf of Whirlpool Corporation, we are proud to continue supporting this important program,” said Whirlpool Foundation Managing Director Deb O’Connor. “We look forward to seeing the innovative ideas and impacts these entrepreneurs will make in our community.”

Seats for the 4th Annual Pitch Night can be reserved at the following link:

https://emergeinnovationhub.org/

About Emerge Innovation Hub

Emerge Innovation Hub is a business incubator located in Southwest Michigan, dedicated to supporting under resourced and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs through individualized coaching, mentorship, microlending opportunities, and technical assistance. Emerge is committed to fostering sustainable business models and promoting socio-economic impact within the community.