Macomb-OU INCubator pitch competition open

Calling all technology entrepreneurs! The Macomb-OU INCubator (Mac-OU INC) is announcing the second annual “Macomb Pitch: A Competition for Small Businesses,” with a pool of winnings totaling more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.

The prize breakdowns are as follows:

• First Place: $7,000 (cash); Mac-OU INC service package (affiliate client); 7.5 hours legal time, Butzel Long
• Second Place: $2,000 (cash); Mac-OU INC cubicle (one-year lease); 5 hours legal time, Butzel Long
• Third Place: $1,000 (cash); Mac-OU INC cubicle (6-month lease); 5 hours legal time, Butzel Long

A Mac-OU INC affiliate membership includes access to the Business Advisory Services Program; the Executives-in-Residence, currently including Butzel Long and Jim Ruma, local defense expert; Pitch Prep; assistance with access to capital; and one-on-one business development with Mac-OU INC staff.

Entrepreneurs of high-growth businesses featuring innovative products or processes are welcome to apply. The innovation typically involves intellectual property that contributes to a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace and serves as a foundation for a high rate of growth. Companies must also be Michigan-based, have less than or equal to $2.5M in revenue and less than or equal to three years in business.

Initial applications are due by Monday, Aug 3. Up to eight finalists will be announced on Monday, Aug 24. Each finalist will be required to participate in a Pitch Prep session, in which an hour of time is donated from Mac-OU INC and top business professionals to provide critical and constructive guidance to a fully-developed and thorough pitch.

The finalists’ live competition is set for 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 8, at Mac-OU INC. Finalists will present to a panel of judges, as well as an audience of experienced entrepreneurs and business support professionals, who will provide written feedback to contestants. The incubator is located in the Velocity building at 6633 Eighteen Mile Road in Sterling Heights. Those interested in applying to compete should contact Joan Carleton at macINC@oakland.edu or (586) 884-9324.

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The Macomb-Oakland University INCubator supports economic development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating high-tech businesses, cultivating academic innovation and encouraging research & development. To help small businesses grow, the incubator creates customized success strategies for startup and emerging companies in the niche industries of defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology. For more information, visit the incubator website at oakland.edu/macombouinc.

This project is supported by Grant CASE-33867 of the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund received through the Michigan Strategic Fund from the State of Michigan. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, talent and jobs, tourism, film, and digital media incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. The MEDC offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement, and urban and community development. For more information, visit michiganbusiness.org.

The Macomb-Oakland University INCubator supports economic development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating high-tech businesses, cultivating academic innovation and encouraging research & development. To help small businesses grow, the incubator creates customized success strategies for startup and emerging companies in the niche industries of defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology. For more information, visit the incubator website at oakland.edu/macombouinc.