2026 Pitch Competition
Congratulations to Zoey & Lydia Heyn of Zo’s Mini Donuts – the first Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition Winners!
Congratulations to Zo’s Mini Donuts!
After a statewide competition, Zo’s Mini Donuts, headquartered in St. Joseph, has been named the winner of Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition. The competition, sponsored by Comcast Business, was designed to help existing businesses take the next step to scale and grow their Michigan-based operations.
“Congratulations to Zoey and Lydia Heyn of Zo’s Mini Donuts for winning Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, founding partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. “Their vision, hard work, enthusiasm and contagious young entrepreneurial spirit shined bright during the competition, and we’re excited to see Zo’s Mini Donuts turn their big ideas into reality.”
Zo’s Mini Donuts was one of five finalist small businesses who competed in a live pitch competition and was awarded a $10,000 cash prize. Zo’s Mini Donuts is the go-to stop of Southwest Michigan’s coastal towns. They offer a budget-conscious third space for teens and families looking for a late-night, alcohol-free, post-sunset treat.
“Small business entrepreneurs like Zoey and Lydia reflect the ingenuity and ambition fueling Michigan’s small business economy,” said Joshua Apodaca-Muehlenweg, Vice President, Comcast Business. “Programs like Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition play an important role in helping innovative ideas take shape and scale. At Comcast Business, we’re committed to supporting businesses at every stage with the reliable, secure connectivity and technology solutions they need to grow and compete. Zo’s Mini Donuts stood out for its clear vision and forward-thinking approach, and we’re proud to celebrate their success alongside the broader small business community.”
The competition was part of Michigan Celebrates Small Business, a two-day event recognizing small businesses in all industries whose growth supports Michigan’s economy. The annual awards honor the many different ways that small businesses demonstrate excellence across the state.
“We are incredibly grateful for this award and can’t believe what started out as an idea when Zoey was just 15 years old, has turned into this,” said Zoey and Lydia Heyn, co-owners of Zo’s Mini Donuts. “To anyone who has ever bought a donut, you are a part of this! Our amazing team of staff and all of our customers are the reason we can continue our donut dream!”
MEET THE 2026 Michigan's next big idea pitch competition finalists
Gauged Hemp Block Systems, Stevensville: GHBS produces eco-friendly, structural hempcrete blocks that lock in carbon, slash energy use, and speed up construction. Its hempcrete block wall system replaces multiple conventional layers (framing, insulation, vapor barriers, and cladding) with a single, fire resistant, non-toxic assembly.
Retreat Detroit, Detroit: Retreat Detroit is a tech-enabled neighborhood wellness hub that integrates plant-based food retail, advanced wellness services, and career pathways into one scalable urban ecosystem.
Vetr Health, Grand Rapids: Vetr Health is building an AI-native operating system and integrated diagnostics platform that empowers mobile veterinarians to run profitable, autonomous practices with lower costs and less administrative burden.
Wimage Technology/Wimee’s World AI, Grand Rapids: Wimee’s World AI is an interactive, AI-powered literacy platform that helps young children build reading skills, creativity, and empathy through safe digital storytelling and conversational learning.
Zo’s Mini Donuts, St. Joseph: Zo’s Mini Donuts is the go-to stop of Southwest Michigan’s coastal towns -a budget-conscious third space for teens and families looking for a late-night, alcohol-free, post-sunset treat.
Thank You to Our Pitch Competition Sponsor
