The I-69 Thumb Region, a seven county partnership, announces the launch of the 2018 I-69 Thumb Region’s Catapult Small Business Competition.   This unique competition is both local and regional.  Each of the seven counties in the I-69 Thumb Region will host a local competition, with first place winners advancing to the regional competition.  There will be cash prizes for the local and regional winners totaling $40,000.

The I-69 Thumb Region Catapult Small Business Competition aims to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners to start or grow their small businesses. The I-69 Thumb Region includes Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Tuscola.

Each of the seven participating counties will hold a county level competition in their community via a public pitch event awarding $2,000 to the first place winner and $1,000 to the second place winner.  County-level first place winners will move forward to compete for additional funds in the finale to take place at the I-69 Thumb Regional Summit on January 24, 2019.

The regional competition will award (via public pitch) $6,000 for first place, $4,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place.  Competition prizes have been made possible by grant funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and additional sponsors.

Interested companies or individuals may apply online by answering a few questions about their proposed new business venture or existing business.  To apply online, visit http://i-69thumbregion.org/event/2018-catapult-small-business-competition/.

Once the online application is complete, competitors have until November 1 to send their maximum 3-page executive summary and pitch presentation of not more than 10 slides.  Competition judges will review and narrow the submissions down to no more than six per local pitch event(s) to be held throughout December.

The Small Business Development Center and local economic development organizations will be providing support to applicants who need technical assistance, help writing the required executive summary or presentation coaching.