SUBMIT YOUR IDEA

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 nad Osceola counties.

Through a competitive pitch competition, ideas will be presented, developed, and ultimately showcased at a community event in December. 

The competition will fund projects that enhance the vibrancy of our incredible downtown districts 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: 
    • August 12th Wednesday evening via Zoom at 6:30 pm 
    • August 24th Monday evening 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 evening 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:
Phone: 989-772-2858

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

Regional Partner: 
Legacy Sponsor: 

Legacy Sponsor: