Downtown Pitch Competition - Beaverton

We're thrilled to be hosting our 3rd Downtown Pitch Competition in Beaverton, MI, an effort to bring amazing ideas through business ideation to life in one of our thriving communities. Through a competitive pitch competition, ideas will be presented, developed, and ultimately showcased at a community event September 17th, 2024. 

The competition will fund three projects that enhance the vibrancy of our incredible downtown district, with over $11,000 of total funding provided by community sponsors who believe in the value of community and business vibrancy.

$10,000 for Business Vibrancy

Downtown businesses can pitch ideas for how to enhance their business in ways that improve the overall downtown experience. Funds can be used in any of the following ways, but are not limited to these:

• Technical Assistance
• Interior Building Renovation
• Permanent or semi-permanent activation for outdoor space
• 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

Ideas will be shared publicly so that a popular vote can occur, and additional funds can be put toward the most-supported concept.

Required Key Dates & Sign-Offs

• Kickoff Meeting for Interested Applicants:  May 14th, 2024 10:00 am and 6:00 pm
• Meetings held at the Beaverton Activity Center (Catalyst Room) and Zoom
• Submission Deadline:  June 14th, 2024
• Phase 1 Pitch Review:  July 12th, 2024 (PPT submitted by email)
• Phase 2 Pitch Review: July 26th, 2024 (PPT resubmitted after getting feedback from review committee)
• Phase 3 Pitch Review and Presentation Run Through: August 9th, 2024 (in person presentation)
• Finalists Announced August 19th, 2024
• Final Pitch Presentation on September 17th, 2024 at the Beaverton Gem Theatre

Competition Process: Illustrated

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 Sessions

When: May 14th at 10AM and 6PM
Where: Beaverton Activity Center, Catalyst Room, 106 Tonkin St., Beaverton, MI 48612 and online via Zoom

Vision Casting and Application:

Applicants will submit ideas that not only improve their business, but will have a positive impact on the City of Beaverton's overall improve vitality and richness
When: Applications are due June 14th

Crafting the Vision and Delivering the Pitch

Participants will craft and refine their pitches over the course of three phases, with final deliverables presented by the beginning of August. 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 early August. Final Pitch Due August 9th.

Public Pitch Event

In September, top finalists will participate in the Downtown Pitch – Beaverton showcase. The live event will be open to the public as a fun and inspiring occasion in which Beaverton and Middle Michigan community members can gather to support innovation, local small business owners and the City of Beaverton as a whole. Pitches will receive funding according to evaluator assessments, a community vote, and any private contributions that may be offered.
When: September 17th, 2024 
Where: Beaverton Gem Theatre, downtown Beaverton

Questions about this Program?

If you have questions for us, please reach out to Middle Michigan Development Corporation:

Phone: 989-772-2858
Fax: 989-773-2115

For the full terms and guidelines, click the button below.

Terms & Guidelines

This program could not have happened without generous support and sponsorship!