Copyright M Live Michigan
BANGOR TWP, MI – The five finalists in a business pitch competition for Bay County entrepreneurs will vie for $11,500 in cash prizes this month. The 2025 Business by the Bay Pitch Competition will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the John Glenn High School Auditorium, located at 3201 Keisel Road in Bangor Township. The competition will begin at 6 p.m. following a meet and greet at 5 p.m. The event is free to attend, and the public is invited to cheer on the local entrepreneurs participating in the competition. Competition finalists will pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges during the event, which is hosted by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The event will “highlight the creativity and drive” of participating entrepreneurs, SBDC officials said in a news release. “The ‘Business by the Bay’ event is the culmination of our SBDC training, giving these entrepreneurs the critical exposure and funding they need to make a real impact on our region,” SBDC Consultant and Business by the Bay Pitch Competition organizer Michelle Judd said in a statement. The competition’s finalists include Malynnda Stewart of Compassionate Navigation, Ashley Kirby of Turkey Bob Books, Maria Sian of Great Lakes Healthcare Training Center, Lily Boehm of Curious Minds Club, and Jennifer Barcia of Sweets and Boujee. “After months of intensive preparation, these finalists are ready to shine and showcase the hard work they’ve put into their business plans,” Judd said. The competition’s finalists were selected after their finalized pitch decks were submitted and judged virtually. Additionally, the finalists spent the past few months participating in workshops led by SBDC that focused on marketing, financial planning and pitch deck preparation. In addition to cash prizes, the competition offers participating entrepreneurs valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and community support, according to the SBDC. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with community members and local business leaders. Guests can also vote for their favorite contestant by purchasing “fan-favorite” ballots, each of which cost $5. The ballots will be available at the event in addition to light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The SBDC promotes statewide economic development and works to support entrepreneurs from the conception of their business idea to its implementation. The organization also offers small Michigan businesses free consulting, training, and market research.
