Pitch Your Business.
Win Up to $20,000.

The Michigan Tribe Pitch Competition, powered by Lean Rocket Lab, is giving away $50,000 in cash prizes this fall. If you're building a business in Jackson, Lenawee, or Hillsdale County, this is your chance.

APPLY

Apply by October 5th, 2025 at 11:59PM

Pitch Competition

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Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

Own and operate a small business located in Jackson, Lenawee, or Hillsdale County.

Be legally registered with the State of Michigan (LLC, sole proprietorship with DBA and business bank account, partnership, corporation, etc.)

Fall into at least one of these categories:

SEDI-owned (socially and economically disadvantaged individuals).

Located in a rural, disadvantaged areas.

Disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Have a project that fits into one or both tracks:

Expanding your physical presence (e.g., opening your first brick-and-mortar location, adding a second location, or growing your current space). Note: Grant dollars cannot be used for construction costs such as building, remodeling, or structural changes.

Advancing technology in your business (e.g., upgrading hardware, software, or equipment to improve efficiency, security, or customer experience).

Submit a complete application by October 5, 2025 at 11:59PM.

Be available to participate in:

A required pitch preparation workshop on October 22, 2025.

The live pitch competition on November 13, 2025.

Agree to funding requirements, including submitting quotes before funds are disbursed and receipts after purchases are made.

Who Cannot Apply

Businesses are not eligible to pitch if:

You participated in the 2024 Lean Rocket LOCAL Fellows Program.

You are currently participating in the 2025 Lean Rocket LOCAL Fellows Program.

You received a direct (milestone) grant from Lean Rocket Lab in 2024 or 2025.

You cannot attend the required pitch preparation workshop.

You cannot attend the live pitch competition on November 13, 2025.

You are not a legally registered business with the State of Michigan.

Your project is primarily construction-related (building, remodeling, structural work).

You do not fall into one of the required categories: SEDI-owned, rural/disadvantaged areas, or disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

If your project has been reimbursed by another MSF, MEDC or Federal Program.

If your business is a non-profit.

Choose Your Track

You may select one or both categories, depending on how your project fits:

Expanding Your Physical Presence

Are you:

Opening your first brick-and-mortar location?
Growing from one space to two?
Adding capacity to your existing space?

If your next step requires more physical space, this is your track.

Note: Grant funds cannot be used for any activity that disturbs the ground or modifies the physical structure.

Eligible expenses like equipment, inventory, software, or certifications must directly support your project.

Advancing Technology in Your Business

Are you:

Upgrading your hardware, software, or equipment to improve efficiency?
Investing in tools like laptops, POS systems, or customer-facing tech to better serve clients?
Adding new technology that helps you scale, improve security, or create a better customer experience?

If technology can take your business further, this is your track.