Native American entrepreneurs in Michigan can apply through Oct. 13 for IndigiPitch, a business pitch competition offering $7,500 in total cash prizes at Odawa Casino in Petoskey on Dec. 5.
The competition will award $5,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $500 for audience favorite. The event aims to showcase Michigan's Native American entrepreneurship community while connecting business owners with investors, mentors and community supporters.
Finalists will pitch to a panel of Native American judges and receive up to three hours of personalized coaching, a fundraising session and free accommodations at Odawa Hotel.
“This is an opportunity for Native American entrepreneurs to showcase their work, compete for cash prizes, and meet supportive individuals,” said Shiloh Slomsky, tribal liaison and CFO at 20Fathoms, the Traverse City-based nonprofit organizing the event. “But we're doing it our way at this event, using our voices and traditions to create an evening that inspires, educates, and uplifts.”
Eligible applicants must be Native American-owned startups or entrepreneurs registered as for-profit entities with either their sovereign nation or Michigan's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs department. Applications require a completed form and pitch deck submission.
The event will feature an expo where Native American entrepreneurs can secure free vendor booths to showcase their businesses. Expo applications are also due Oct. 13.
20Fathoms is partnering with Northern Shores Community Development Inc. and Odawa Casino to host the competition. Consumers Energy and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are providing additional support.
The nonprofit serves Northwest Lower Michigan with startup education, business coaching and funding connections. Its Native American programming includes the Indigenous Business & Marketing Essentials bootcamp and one-on-one coaching designed for the region's tribal entrepreneurs.
IndigiPitch represents part of 20Fathoms' broader effort to support Native American business development in Michigan. The organization provides coworking spaces, capital resources and specialized programming to meet what it describes as the unique needs of Native American entrepreneurs in the region.
Entrepreneurs interested in pitching can apply at bit.ly/apply-indigipitch, while vendor booth applications are available at bit.ly/indigipitch-vendor. Discounted hotel rooms at Odawa Casino are available for event attendees who reference "IndigiPitch" when booking.
