We are excited to invite small businesses to apply for the Small Business Saturday Pitch Competition! This is an incredible opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and compete for funding that can take their business to the next level.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a registered small business operating in Southeast Michigan (brick-and-mortar, online, or hybrid).
- Must demonstrate a clear commitment to community engagement and growth.
- Must submit a complete application, essay, and video submission by the posted deadline.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
Contact Information:
Complete all the fields in the form below.
Essay Submission (1,000 words or fewer - minimum of 200 words)
Participants must address the following:
- Business name: Clearly identify your business.
- Years in operation: Indicate how long you’ve been in business.
- Why you should be selected: Share what makes your business unique and deserving.
- Community impact: Describe your business's contribution to the community with examples.
- Use of funds: Explain how you plan to use the prize to grow and sustain your business.
Video Submission (5 minutes or less)
Submit a clear and well-organized video that addresses the following:
- Business name: Clearly identify your business.
- Years in operation: Indicate how long you’ve been in business.
- Why you should be selected: Share what makes your business unique and deserving.
- Community impact: Describe your business's contribution to the community with examples.
- Use of funds: Explain how you plan to use the prize to grow and sustain your business.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
- Submit your completed application, essay, and video through this online portal by the deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025.
- Essays should be clear, well-organized, and free of grammatical errors.
- Videos should be no longer than 5 minutes, clear in quality, and professional in presentation.
- Incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility requirements will not be considered.
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Clarity and professionalism of the application, essay, and video
- Originality and creativity of the business idea
- Demonstrated community impact
- Feasibility and growth potential with prize funding
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
| Pitch Workshop |
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 |
| Application Opens |
Friday, September 12, 2025 |
| Application Deadline |
Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Applications Reviewed |
November 3–10, 2025 |
| Winners Announced |
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 |
| Prize Winners Check Presentation |
Saturday, November 29, 2025 |
NOTE: All dates are subject to change. Please follow us online or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
We look forward to reading and watching your amazing business story and the impact you’re making in our community. Good luck – and thank you for being a part of this year's Small Business celebration!