Applications go live Aug. 15 for a Shark Tank-style event hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Emerge Innovation Hub.
HYPE (Highlighting Young Professional Excellence) is a pitch competition designed to showcase and support young entrepreneurs from across Cass, Van Buren and Berrien Counties. The competition offers them a platform to pitch their ideas and compete for capital and in-kind support. HYPE will take place Nov. 19 at Watermark Solarium in Stevensville.
“We are thrilled to bring back HYPE and give the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs a space to shine and take meaningful steps toward achieving their dreams,” said Jasmine Hansen, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber events director and program lead for NextGen, in a press release.
The top seven finalists will present their business concepts in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. The judging panel will include business and community leaders offering insight and feedback.
The three winners will receive a mix of cash prizes and in-kind resources, such as mentorship, marketing assistance and business coaching, to help grow and launch their ventures into the next stages. Attendees will help select a crowd favorite, who will receive a cash award along with in-kind resources.
The event is open to aspiring entrepreneurs ages 21–40. Participant applications open Aug. 15. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30. Learn more here.
“HYPE isn’t just about pitching an idea and potentially winning money; it’s about engaging the community and demonstrating to entrepreneurs that they are part of a supportive network of like-minded individuals,” Hansen said. “It’s about fostering growth, whether or not they secure a top prize.”
