Have an awesome idea that will benefit women and the West Michigan community? Women in Successful Enterprises is looking for local Grand Rapids nonprofit organizations to pitch other local business leaders for funding consideration!
We all know women in West Michigan are full of powerful and new ideas. Here's the chance to share them! The second annual pitch-themed event, cleverly called Small Sharks in the Big Lake, serves as WISE's 10th annual Giving Back event and takes place Wednesday, November 6, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Rockford Construction.
Three Grand Rapids nonprofit organizations will be selected as finalists to pitch judges for funding consideration. WISE notes it's not the intent to throw local organizations to the sharks—rather, conversely, to introduce them to WISE's local version of the Shark Tank crew. The WISE audience and corporate panel will meet community nonprofit organizations that will "pitch the tank" for funding consideration, provided by event sponsors.
WISE is accepting applications until September 24, 2019. Eligibility requirements:
- All organizations considered must be a local Grand Rapids area nonprofit. Nonprofit organizations located within a 30-mile radius of downtown Grand Rapids are considered to be Grand Rapids area nonprofits for this competition. Please contact WISE if you are unclear if your location fits these parameters.
- The Grand Rapids area-based nonprofit must be majority-owned and/or managed by a woman aged 18 or older who is not related to any WISE founders.
- WISE encourages small nonprofit organizations founded and/or conceived of by women. A woman must hold key management role and be actively involved in the operations of the organization and participate in the WISE Shark Tank presentation.
- All nonprofit entries will be dedicated to serving one of three categories: Women, Children, Families. The mission of the organization is not limited. The mission or purpose of the organization can be to feed, clothe, educate, care for, increase awareness, et cetera.
Registration to attend the event is now open!
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for West Michigan Woman.
Graphic courtesy of WISE.
