Genesee County businesses and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to compete for funding during a public pitch event awarding $2,500 to the first place winner and $1,500 to the second place winner.

County-level first place winners will advance to the regional competition, which will include competitiors from each of the seven counties in the I-69 Thumb Region. Prizes awarded via public pitch will be $6,000 (first place), $4,000 (second place) and $2,000 (third place).

Interested companies or individuals may apply online by answering a few questions about their proposed new business venture or existing business. To apply, visit http://i-69thumbregion.org/event/2018-catapult-small-business-competition/.

Once the online application is complete, competitors have until Nov. 1 to submit their maximum three-page executive summary and pitch presentation of up to 10 slides.

The Misbdc I-69 Trade Corridor Region and local economic development organizations will provide support to applicants in need of technical assistance, help writing the required executive summary or presentation coaching.

Competition prizes have been made possible by grant funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and additional sponsors