Michigan SBDC
Sept. 26, 2024
Detroit, MI – The Michigan SBDC is thrilled to present PITCH BLACK Detroit – a unique and entertaining pitch competition program that uplifts Black-owned businesses and celebrates Black culture. Part competition – part game show, PITCH BLACKincludes elements of Shark Tank and America’s Got Talent; complete with all Black contestants, Black judges, Black host, Black music, Black dancers, and even a Black costumed character. Traveling throughout the state of Michigan, the event is conducted on-stage in front of a live audience and has been held in Muskegon and Grand Rapids. Now it is Detroit’s turn on Thursday, October 3rd at the WSU Industry Innovation Center (across from Tech Town Detroit).
Twenty-five (25) Black-owned businesses were selected as contestants for the program and received 6-weeks of customized pitch training from the Michigan SBDC Uplift Initiative. They then went through two preliminary pitch rounds to determine the seven finalists who will compete for over $10,000 in cash prizes at the live in-person event on October 3rd.
Prizes will be processed by Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. The 1st Place Grand Prize is $5,000, with a 2nd place prize of $3,500, a 3rd place prize of $1,500, and $300 for the people’s choice award. The prize money can be used for any legitimate business purpose.
“PITCH BLACK Detroit is more than just a pitch competition,” said Michigan SBDC Southeast Regional Director Wendy Thomas. “It’s our way of strengthening the Black business community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The training and ongoing support we are providing will help in the long-term success of small Black-owned companies in Southeast Michigan. We’re incredibly grateful to our PITCH BLACK Detroit sponsors Fifth Third Bank, Huntington, Comerica, and Lake Trust for their support.”
Event Details
The event will start with a Celebration Showcase at 5 p.m. featuring all the contestants and the Pitch Competition will begin at 6:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public, but please RSVP at https://michigansbdc.org/pitch-black-detroit/. All attendees are asked to wear black attire.