2026 Pitch Competition
Are you ready to take your Michigan business to the next level? The Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Pitch Competition is searching for innovative, high-potential companies to showcase their ideas and compete for a $10,000 prize at the 2026 MCSB Summit!
Why Apply?
Gain valuable exposure for your business at Michigan’s premier small business event, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs while competing for a chance to win $10,000 to accelerate your growth and impact.
What We're Looking For
Eligible applicants are Michigan-based businesses with fewer than 500 employees that offer a unique product, service, or solution and are ready to scale.
How to Apply:
To submit your Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch, click “Apply Today” to get started. The pitch application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and you may save your progress and return later if needed. Follow the prompts to sign in/create your account and submit the application.
You will be asked to submit the following items:
- Submit a 2-minute video pitch (See our helpful hints)
- Upload a 1-page business summary (PDF).
- Provide a financial snapshot (last 12 months).
- Share a statement of impact (PDF).
- Complete detailed application questions about your business, innovation, market opportunity, financial readiness, scalability, and community impact.
The application will close on February 27, and five finalists will be selected by March 25. The finalists will present a live pitch at the MCSB Summit on April 21, where a panel of five judges and the audience will select the winner. The winner will be announced during the Summit and will be awarded $10,000.