Downtown Pitch Competition - Reed City

We're thrilled to be hosting our 4th Downtown Pitch Competition in Reed City, 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 in September. 

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: 
  • July 2nd, Wednesday evening via Zoom at 6:30 pm 
  • July 7th, Monday morning at 9 am at the Osceola County Administration Building 
  • July 7th, Monday evening at 6 pm at Reed City Brewing
• Submission Deadline:  July 14th, 2025
• Initial Feedback Provided: July 23rd, 2025
• Pitch Deck Due: August 1st, 2025 (initial PPT submitted)
• Pitch Deck Review Provided: August 15th, 2025 (feedback on PPT submitted)
• In-Person Pitch Review: August 28th, 2025
• Finalists Announced: September 8th, 2025
• Final Pitch Presentation in September 2025

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 Information Sessions

When: July 2nd at 6:30 pm and July 7th at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm 
Where: July 2nd's session will be online via Zoom. The July 7th morning session will be at the Osceola County administration building and the evening session will be at Reed City Brewing in downtown Reed City.

Vision Casting and Application:

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

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 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 end of August. Final Pitch given August 28th in-person.

Public Pitch Event

In September, top finalists will participate in the Downtown Pitch – Reed City showcase. The live event will be open to the public as a fun and inspiring occasion in which Reed City and Middle Michigan community members can gather to support innovation, local small business owners and the City of Reed City as a whole. Pitches will receive funding according to evaluator assessments, a community vote, and any private contributions that may be offered.
When: September 2025 
Where: TBD

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!