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Pitch competition is giving away $15K to small businesses in Genesee County

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 10:46 GMT by MLive
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Genesee County’s $15,000 Pitch Competition Aims to Spark a Small‑Business Renaissance

In an effort to give Genesee County’s entrepreneurial community a boost, a new pitch competition is offering a total of $15,000 in prize money to the region’s most promising small businesses. Launched by a coalition of local economic developers, banks, and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, the contest is slated to run from September 1 through September 20, 2025, with a winner‑announcement ceremony on September 25 at the historic Genesee County Convention Center.

A Quick Snapshot of the Contest

• Eligibility: Businesses that operate within Genesee County, have been in business for at least six months, and generate under $1 million in annual revenue qualify. Start‑ups in the technology, food service, retail, and creative industries are all welcome, so long as they can demonstrate a clear path to growth.

• Entry Fee: $50 per application, waived for businesses that qualify for the county’s Small Business Assistance Program. The fee helps cover administrative costs and ensures that serious applicants submit well‑developed proposals.

• Submission: Applicants must upload a 3‑minute video pitch, a one‑page executive summary, and a brief financial snapshot. All materials are reviewed by a panel of six judges, including a senior banker from the Genesee County Economic Development Corporation, a local venture capitalist, a former mayor of Flint, and a professor of entrepreneurship from Michigan State University’s College of Business.

• Judging Criteria: The panel evaluates based on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and community impact. The top three submissions receive $5,000 each, while a “People’s Choice” award – voted on by the public via the county’s online portal – receives an additional $1,000.

• Additional Support: Beyond cash, finalists get a free three‑month mentorship program with seasoned business leaders from the Genesee County Chamber, a complimentary marketing package from the local advertising firm, and access to an online incubator platform that offers business planning tools and financial modeling software.

What’s Driving the Initiative?

The Genesee County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) spearheaded the pitch competition as part of its broader “Genesee Growth 2030” strategy, designed to rebuild the county’s economy after the devastating auto‑industry downturn and the COVID‑19 pandemic. According to GCEDC’s director, Linda Hayes, “We’re seeing a surge of innovative ideas but often lack the capital and mentorship needed to scale them. This competition is a way to bridge that gap.”

Bank of America, which co‑sponsored the event, has committed an additional $10,000 in grant money for the winners, earmarked for working capital or expansion. The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will host a networking luncheon on the evening of the award ceremony, offering participants an opportunity to connect with potential investors, suppliers, and customers.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our county’s recovery,” says Mayor John Miller of Flint. “By providing not just money but also visibility and resources, we’re hoping to catalyze new jobs and fresh services that can bring vitality back to Genesee.”

The Application Process

Prospective entrants are encouraged to prepare a polished pitch. The GCEDC has organized a series of free workshops over the past month at the Flint Public Library and the Genesee County Community College. These sessions cover storytelling techniques, financial modeling, and effective use of digital platforms.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on September 20, 2025. The judging panel will convene on September 23 to deliberate, and finalists will be announced on September 25 via a livestream on the GCEDC website and the Genesee County Community TV channel.

A Glimpse Into the Past

While this is the first year the competition is being run, the county’s economic development team is drawing on lessons from the “Start‑Up Sprint” program that ran from 2018 to 2020. In that iteration, the GCEDC had awarded $20,000 in total to local startups, many of which later secured venture funding. “We saw the power of a good pitch, especially when paired with community support,” says Hayes. “We’re taking that knowledge forward.”

Community Response

Local business owners are already lining up to apply. Emily Ruiz, owner of “Blueberry Lane,” a boutique bakery in downtown Flint, said, “We’ve been waiting for an opportunity to bring our new product line to market. This competition could be the catalyst we need.” Another applicant, “Green Horizon Solar,” a renewable‑energy start‑up based in Auburn, highlighted that the mentorship component is a key draw. “We have the tech, but we need guidance on scaling and navigating regulatory approvals.”

In addition to individual enthusiasm, the competition is receiving praise from the local Chamber’s board. “It aligns with our mission to foster a resilient business ecosystem,” notes board chair Robert Kline. “We’re excited to see the next wave of Genesee entrepreneurs thrive.”

Looking Ahead

Beyond the immediate cash prizes, the pitch competition is part of a larger strategy to re‑energize Genesee County’s commercial landscape. The GCEDC is also planning a series of “Innovation Weekends” and a new incubator space at the county’s former industrial district, slated to open early next year.

By giving entrepreneurs a platform to refine their pitches, secure funding, and connect with mentors, the initiative hopes to create a ripple effect of job creation, increased tax revenue, and improved community services. “We’re not just funding ideas; we’re funding futures,” says Mayor Miller.

For those interested in applying, the full contest rules, deadlines, and FAQs can be found at the GCEDC’s online portal. The competition’s official website—[ GeneseePitch2025.com ]—provides an application form, video submission guidelines, and a list of judges. The GCEDC also maintains a public blog where they will post updates and success stories from past contests.

With a clear focus on growth, community impact, and strategic support, Genesee County’s $15,000 pitch competition stands as a beacon for local entrepreneurs looking to turn big ideas into tangible success stories.