Calling all technology entrepreneurs – you won’t want to miss this!

Mac-OU INC is offering $20,000 in cash and in-kind prizes during its “Macomb Pitch: A Competition for Small Businesses.” This is the biggest competition we have held to date, and we couldn’t be more excited to give well-deserving tech startups some cash and resources for growth! Applications are due by October 14, which means about two more weeks to perfect your answers to application questions.

First through third place winnings include:

• First Place: $8,500 (cash); one-year affiliate membership to Mac-OU INC (which includes access to the Business Advisory Services Program; the Executives-in-Residence, currently including Butzel Long, Advicoach of Michigan, BiancoCPA and Jim Ruma, local defense expert; Pitch Prep; assistance with access to capital; and one-on-one business development with Mac-OU INC staff)
• Second Place: $1,500 (cash); one-year lease for a Mac-OU INC cubicle; five hours of consultation with Butzel Long; a two-hour strategic-planning session with Advicoach of Michigan
• Third Place: $500 (cash); one-year lease for a Mac-OU INC cubicle; five hours of consultation with Butzel Long; a two-hour strategic-planning session with Advicoach of Michigan

High-growth technology entrepreneurs are welcome to apply, more specifically, a business that has an innovative product or process. The innovation typically involves intellectual property that contributes to a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace, and serves as a foundation for a high rate of growth. Companies must also be Michigan-based, have less than or equal to $2.5M in revenue and less than or equal to five years in business.

Up to eight finalists will be announced on Tues, Oct 28. Each finalist will be required to participate in a Pitch Prep session, in which an hour of time is donated from Mac-OU INC and top business professionals to provide critical and constructive guidance to a fully-developed and thorough pitch.

The finalist’s live competition is set for Thurs, Dec 11, 5 to 8 p.m., at Mac-OU INC. Finalists will present to a panel of judges as well as an audience of experienced entrepreneurs and business support professionals who will provide written feedback to contestants.

Those interested in applying to compete should visit the official Macomb Pitch application form. Plan ahead for the Oct 14 due date!