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Introducing HYPE

HYPE (Highlighting Young Professional Excellence) is set to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs on November 20, 2024, 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 start-up capital and in-kind support. Exact prize amounts will be announced as we get closer to the event.

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 PM)

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

7:52 PM – 8:00 PM: Awardees Announced

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.

Aiyenede Akhigbe

Founder

Sticky Spoons Jam

Chris Mason

Founder

Watermark Brewing Co.

Stephanie Ott

Founder

Base Bowls & Company

Dustin Lester

Founder

Pipestone Golf

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 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.