Business Development

Strong businesses build strong communities. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber supports businesses at every stage of growth by providing strategic resources, meaningful connections, advocacy, and opportunities that help organizations thrive and strengthen the region’s economy.

HYPE 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 – See Bottom of the Page
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)

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Registration & Networking

5:30 PM – 5:40 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks

5:40 PM – 6:20 PM: HYPE Panel Discussion

6:20 PM – 6:30 PM: Intermission

The Pitch (6:30 - 8:30 PM)

6:30 PM – 6:40 PM: Pitch Competition Rules

6:40PM – 7:45PM Top 7 Finalists Pitch

7:52 PM – 8:15 PM: Winners Announced

8:15PM-8:30PM: Final Remarks

Meet the Judges

These successful local entrepreneurs will serve as panelists where they will share insights about their journey. They will then serve as judges for the pitch competition that follows the panel.

Judge #1

Judge #2

Judge #3

Judge #4

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 (Berrien, Cass or Van Buren County), 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 5 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.

2026 Applications Open August 10th!

Reserve your seat for HYPE, November 18th – HERE.