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Native entrepreneurs from across Michigan are invited to apply for IndigiPitch, a first-of-its-kind business pitch competition created for Native communities. On Dec. 5, finalists will take the stage at Odawa Casino in Petoskey to showcase their ideas before a panel of Native judges, competing for $7,500 in cash prizes and the chance to grow their businesses.
Hosted Michigan-based 20Fathoms, IndigiPitch is a celebration of Native innovation and economic sovereignty. The event will highlight the strength of Michigan’s Native entrepreneurs while creating space for connection, inspiration, mentorship, and community support.
Shiloh Slomskey, Tribal Liaison & Chief Financial Officer at 20Fathoms in Michigan.Applications are now open. Entrepreneurs are invited to apply by Oct. 13 to pitch and/or to secure a vendor booth.
“IndigiPitch will be a very special evening for the entire community,” said Shiloh Slomsky, Tribal Liaison & Chief Financial Officer at 20Fathoms. “This is an opportunity for Native American entrepreneurs to showcase their work, compete for cash prizes, and meet supportive individuals. But we’re doing it our way at this event, using our voices and traditions to create an evening that inspires, educates, and uplifts.”
Apply to make your business pitch:
20Fathoms is honored to invite Native American entrepreneurs or start-ups in Michigan to apply for a chance to pitch from the stage at IndigiPitch on Dec. 5 in front of a live audience and a panel of Native American judges.
Finalists receive:
- An opportunity to meet investors, fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and community supporters who can uplift your idea or business to the next level.
- Up to 3 hours of personalized pitch coaching to help you craft a compelling story that resonates with investors, partners, and customers.
- A fundraising-focused coaching session that dives into how to raise money and build long-term value for your company.
- Free coworking day passes to 20Fathoms in Traverse City — a hub of ideas, innovation, and great coffee.
- Complementary overnight accommodations at Odawa Hotel in Petoskey.
- A chance to win cash awards for the best business pitch presentations. (1st place: $5000, 2nd place: $2000, audience favorite: $500)
Deadline: Complete the application form and submit your pitch deck by Oct. 13. Applications will be reviewed by a Native American panel for finalist selection.
Eligibility: Native American owned start-up or entrepreneur who is registered as a for-profit with either their sovereign nation or State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Apply for a vendor booth:
Native entrepreneurs are also encouraged to showcase their businesses in the IndigiPitch Expo, held before and after the competition. Booths are free, but space is limited.
To apply for a free booth, complete the application form by Oct. 13.
Key event details:
- When: The evening of Friday, Dec. 5
- Where: Odawa Casino in Petoskey
- Who: IndigiPitch will exclusively feature Native American entrepreneurs as pitch presenters and expo vendors. The event is open to the public and anyone interested in supporting Michigan’s business startup community is welcome to attend.
- Lodging: Discounted hotel rooms are available at Odawa Casino in Petoskey. Reference “IndigiPitch” when making your reservation.
- Brought to you by: IndigiPitch is hosted by 20Fathoms, in partnership with Northern Shores Community Development Inc. and Odawa Casino. Additional support is provided by Consumers Energy and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Based in Traverse City and serving all of Northwest Lower Michigan, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit business startup resource center for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. In addition to IndigiPitch, programming designed to meet the unique needs and ecosystem of the region’s Native American entrepreneurs includes a startup bootcamp called Indigenous Business & Marketing Essentials, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital resources.
Participants and instructors in the Indigenous Business & Marketing Essentials program, hosted by 20Fathoms in Traverse City, Mich. in April 2025.
About 20Fathoms
20Fathoms is the home of entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. Based in Traverse City and serving all of Northwest Lower Michigan, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit startup incubator and resource center for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The organization works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and specializes in working with technology-focused companies. Programs include startup education, business coaching, connections, funding, and general support.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number [SLFRP0127] awarded to 20Fathoms by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.