|
September 30, 2024
Saint Joseph, MI - The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with Emerge Innovation Hub, is proud to introduce HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence - a Shark Tank-style pitch competition that provides a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to present their ideas and compete for valuable start-up capital and in-kind support.
Sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and Whirlpool Foundation, the event will take place on November 20, 2024, at the Watermark Solarium in Stevensville and is designed to inspire and empower the region’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a panel of successful young entrepreneurs who will share their experiences, challenges, and successes in building their businesses. The panelists, who have all made significant contributions to the local business community, include:
- Aiyenede Akhigbe of Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC;
- Chris Mason of Watermark Brewing Company;
- Stephanie Ott of Base Bowls & Company; and
- Dustin Lester, co-owner of Pipestone Indoor Country Club and Pipestone Creek Golf Course.
These entrepreneurs will then serve as judges for the pitch competition, offering their expertise and feedback to the next wave of business leaders.
The event’s centerpiece is the pitch competition, where aspiring entrepreneurs ages 21-40 will present their innovative business ideas to the panel of judges, aiming to secure funding and support. Along with valuable exposure, the top three winners will receive a combination of cash awards and in-kind resources—such as mentorship, marketing assistance, and business coaching—to help bring their ideas to life, grow to the next level, and ensure success moving forward. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to vote for the “crowd favorite,” the winner of which will receive an additional cash award.
The event promises to be a significant opportunity for young professionals in Southwest Michigan to gain insights, network with peers, and potentially kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. Those specifically interested in participating in the pitch competition may sign-up using the form located at www.smrchamber.com/HYPE.
“HYPE is more than just a competition, it’s a chance for young professionals to learn from each other, share ideas, and build meaningful connections,” said Jasmine Hansen, Membership Engagement Manager and NextGen Program Lead for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “We’re excited to see the innovative ideas that will come from the pitch competition and to provide the support these aspiring entrepreneurs need to succeed.”
Arthur Havlicek, President and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, emphasized the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs: “Entrepreneurship is the backbone of our economy, and fostering it among our younger generations is vital to the long-term success of our region. HYPE provides a critical mechanism for not only encouraging entrepreneurial spirit but also for supporting the community by keeping talent, innovation, and business growth right here in Southwest Michigan.”
Admission to HYPE is free, but seating is limited and RSVP's are required. To RSVP or sponsor, please visit https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/HYPE2024.
Parties interested in sponsoring the event will also be able to submit their contributions as tax-deductible donations through the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation, making it a great opportunity to support local entrepreneurs and receive financial benefits.
###
|
.png)
