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Downtown Pitch Competition - Across All of Middle Michigan!
We're thrilled to be hosting our 5th Downtown Pitch Competition, and this year's its bigger and better than ever! Typically, Downtown Pitch has focused on one Middle Michigan community at a time, but for the first time ever, we are opening this competition up to businesses across all three of our counties - Clare, Isabella and Osceola counties.
Through a local business development program, business owners and entrepreneurs will present ideas, receive feedback and coaching, while leading up to a final presentation at a community event where their friends, families and fellow community members can cheer them on.
The competition will fund projects that enhance the vibrancy of our incredible downtown districts with over $16,000+ of total funding provided by community sponsors who believe in the value of community and business vibrancy.
Track #1: Launch Downtown ($5,000+ Prize)
For new businesses who have recently opened or are ready to open a storefront and entrepreneurs looking for a downtown location. New businesses are those that have launched within the last 12 months or are conceptual in nature but would be officially launched within 6 months if the venture wins a prize from the competition.
Track #2: Grow Downtown ($10,000+ Prize)
For businesses already present in a downtown district or corridor, businesses looking to expand their downtown presence whether through physical expansion or the expansion of promotional efforts in order to attract more customers to the downtown/commercial district they are located in, adding employees or launching new products or services.
Funds can be used in any of the following ways, but are not limited to these:
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Technical Assistance
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Interior Building Renovation
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Permanent or semi-permanent activation for outdoor space
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General marketing and/or technology
Expenses that are not eligible include: exterior improvements that could be considered as general maintenance, repairs, landscaping, or other non-place-based outdoor activation, employee wages, salaries or benefits, rent, mortgage, land contract or building lease payments, utilities, leases for equipment, vehicle leases, vehicle payments, taxes, interest or insurance, professional fees, federal, state, or local application, licensing, permit or similar fees, bank or other lender financing, interest, inspection fees or costs, credit card processing fees, property acquisition, projects on residential property, or any other capital expenditure (including soft costs) deemed ineligible at sole discretion of the MMDC.
$1,000 for People's Choice
This year, people will have the opportunity to support the businesses in their own community! With a recommendation donation of $5 or more, those who attend the final Pitch Competition in December will be able to put their money behind their favorite business or community. The business/community that raises the most will also receive an extra $1,000 from Middle Michigan Development Corporation that evening. All businesses will get take home the money pledged to them at the event.
Required Key Dates & Sign-Offs
- Kickoff Meeting for Interested Applicants:
- August 12th Wednesday evening via Zoom at 6:30 pm
- August 24th Monday morning via Zoom at 9:00 am
- Ideas Need to Be Submitted By: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm
- Initial Feedback Provided by: October, 9, 2026
- Initial Pitch Deck Due: October 15, 2026
- Pitch Deck Review Provided: October 23 (feedback on PPT submitted)
- In-Person Semi-Final Pitch: November 1-9
- Finalists Announced: Mid-November
- Final Pitch Presentation Mid-December
Competition Process
Competition Process: Step-by-Step
Onboarding and Orientation to Program
To ensure that applicants are welcomed into the program and equitably informed as to its expectations, processes, and timelines, MMDC will host welcome meetings and Q&A sessions.
Business Vibrancy Information Sessions
When: August 12th Wednesday evening via Zoom at 6:30 pm and August 24th Monday morning via Zoom at 9:00 am
Vision Casting and Application:
Applicants will submit ideas that not only improve their business but will have a positive impact on their community's overall vitality and richness.
When: Ideas are due September 30, 2026 by 11:59 pm EST
Crafting the Vision and Delivering the Pitch
Participants will craft and refine their pitches over the course of two phases, with final deliverables presented by the end of October. Using the competition’s pitch template, participants will craft strong slide shows and compelling narratives that inspire evaluators and demonstrate operational and functional strategies.
When: Ongoing through end of October. In-person semi-final pitch presentation will be scheduled the first week of November.
Public Pitch Event
In December, top finalists will participate in the Downtown Pitch showcase. The live event will be open to the public as a fun and inspiring occasion in which community members can gather to support innovation, local small business owners and the Middle Michigan area as a whole. Pitches will receive funding according to evaluator assessments, a community vote, and any private contributions that may be offered.
When: December TBD
Where: TBD
Questions about this Program?
If you have questions for us, please reach out to Middle Michigan Development Corporation:
Kati Mora
Phone: 989-772-2858
This program could not have happened without generous support and sponsorship!
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Signature Sponsor |
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