Earlier this year, Michigan Women's Foundation announced the expansion of its acclaimed Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative. Based on the success of its Entrepreneur YOU Business Plan and Pitch Competition, held annually in Southeast Michigan since 2012, the Foundation added a West Michigan competition.
In addition, the nationally recognized "Dolphin Tank," described as a helpful, feedback-driven event, will also be launched to further assist women who wish to start or grow a business.
If you like Shark Tank, you'll love Dolphin Tank—a kinder, gentler version of the hit TV show! Everyone in or interested in the West Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem is welcome to join as selected women hoping to start or grow businesses pitch their ideas and plans to a panel of area experts, during a four-minute presentation. Two business types are being pitched.
Lifestyle Business: This is a company set up and run by its founders primarily with the aim of sustaining a particular level of income and no more, or to provide a foundation from which to enjoy a particular lifestyle.
Growth Business: This type of company is most often seen in the technology industries, whose business generates significant positive cash flows or earnings and which increases at significantly faster rates than the overall economy.
In October is the Business Plan & Pitch Competition. Ten finalists—five each representing Lifestyle Business and Growth Business—will present their business plan and pitch. Cash prizes, support services, and technical assistance to assist them further down the path toward owning a successful business will be awarded to three winners in each business type, totaling more than $53,000.
West Michigan Event Dates
Dolphin Tank
September 25, 2015
Grand Valley State University L. William Seidman Center
1 – 4 p.m.
Business Plan & Pitch Competition
October 16, 2015
Grand Valley State University L. William Seidman Center
8 – 11:30 p.m.
Visit http://miwf.org/events1 for more information on the Dolphin Tank and other Michigan Women's Foundation events.
