Emerge Innovation Hub Pitch Night October 26
Emerge Innovation Hub Pitch Night October 26
Over $47,000 in Micro Grants to be Given to Local Businesses
Benton Harbor, Michigan – Over the last three years, Emerge Innovation Hub (Emerge) has had the pleasure of spotlighting and helping multiple Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) businesses in Berrien County grow via their Pitch Night competition. For their third year, Emerge has partnered with the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance (WBC) and Whirlpool to award over $47,000 in Micro Grants to the deserving businesses.
The public is invited to attend this “shark-tank” styled event on Thursday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m. inside The GhostLight Theatre where Micro Grant awards will be given out in two separate categories; Emerging Businesses Accelerating Businesses, respectively. Each category will feature three (3) award winners, one of which is selected by those in attendance.
Total awarded Micro Grants for each respective category are:
Emerging Business Awards:
1st Place - $7,500
2nd Place - $3,000
Crowd Favorite - $2,000
Accelerating Business Awards:
1st Place - $20,000
2nd Place - $10,000
Crowd Favorite - $5,000
“We are incredibly excited to highlight the participating entrepreneurs for our 3rd Annual Pitch Night. Emerge is committed to fostering equity and ensuring opportunity and empowerment,” says Executive Director Ambie Bell. “With each investment in our amazing local small-business community, we grow local entrepreneurship and the eco-system in Berrien County.”
"On behalf of Whirlpool Foundation and our Trustees, we're proud to support this important program," said Whirlpool Foundation Managing Director Deb O'Connor. "We're excited for the winners and look forward to seeing the impact their businesses will have in our community."
"At the Women's Business Center, we're not just fostering entrepreneurs; we’re providing the tools and mentorship needed to turn their dreams into reality. Partnering on Pitch Night with Emerge Innovation Hub provides the perfect platform for them to shine," adds Kristen Patzer, Director of the Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance.
Seats for the 3rd Annual Pitch Night can be reserved at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emerge-innovation-hub-pitch-night-with-wbc…
