Business by the Bay accepting applications through Aug. 13

Apply to be part of the Business by the Bay Pitch Competition and you’ll get practical business training, personalized coaching, and a chance at winning cash to invest in your small business.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Wed., Aug. 13. 

The annual Business by the Bay Pitch Competition is a program of the Michigan Small Business Development Center. Read about the 2024 Pitch competition in this Nov. 14, 2024 Route Bay City article.

Participants will engage in a series of in-person workshops covering marketing, financials, and pitch development. Five finalists will participate in a live pitch event on Wed., Nov. 12 at John Glenn High School, 3201 Kiesel Road.

“An event like this is so exciting because we bring (business owners) forward into the community and they get to enjoy that support,” says Michelle Judd, Small Business Consultant for the Michigan SBDC. “They also get some cash infusion
into their businesses, which is not something existing businesses have the opportunity to do very often.”

Who can apply?

• Entrepreneurs, small business owners, or early-stage companies based in Bay County. 
• Businesses less than 2 years old as of Nov. 13 with annual sales of less than $1 million.
• Applicants must be at least 16 years old at time of application.

If selected, applicants must attend five in-person workshops in August, September, and October. 

For more details and a link to the application, visit the Michigan Small Business Development Center website.