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PitchMI is a statewide, Shark Tank style competition where innovative start-up businesses pitch their ideas for the chance to win $100,000 towards their solutions to further the innovation opportunities across Michigan. It is a commitment to entrepreneurial problem solving, connecting innovators with capital and accelerating opportunities for innovation in the state.
Program Overview
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Who Can Apply: PitchMI is open to pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B companies with 51% of their employees residing in the State of Michigan. Solutions should be demonstration ready with working prototypes.
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How It Works: Innovative start-up businesses will pitch their idea at the State of Michigan public competition. Ideas should provide solutions that transform the way Michiganders get from one point to another safely, affordably and efficiently. The state, in partnership with leading organizations, will select the most innovative start-up to invest in.
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Timing: Applications are due Monday, Sept. 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the pitch competition scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Newlab in Detroit and must be available to participate in-person.
Do you have an idea to help Michigan grow? It’s time to pitch your idea!
Applications for the Make MI Home pilot program closed August 14, 2024.
Make MI Home is a statewide regional talent retention and attraction pilot program, where $500,000 in funds will be distributed to qualifying entities across the state to help regions keep and connect talent to their communities and make Michigan an even better place to call home for everyone.
Program Overview
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Who Can Apply: Eligible proposals must include the participation of a representative entity, such as a nonprofit, local government, economic development organization, philanthropic foundation or talent attraction organization. Project consortia must consist of eligible entities located within the same State of Michigan prosperity regions or share a border with the lead organization's prosperity region.
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How It Works: Regional entities will be tasked with working together to develop an offering specific to retaining and attracting talent in their region. If their region is selected, they will receive funding to launch and run the proposed project — making it available to current and future residents!
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Timing: Selected regions will have 12 months from the time the funds are dispersed to select eligible individuals to receive the benefits through the proposed talent attraction and retention program.
The Growth Office also developed a report that gives examples of regional retention and attraction strategies from across the nation. View those here.
Regional recipients will be announced in September 2024. Sign up to receive our newsletter for updates when these programs become available to individuals.