Boost Mid-Michigan
What is Boost Mid-Michigan?
Boost Mid-Michigan is a series of fun and interactive events aimed at connecting aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage companies with potential investors and entrepreneurship support professionals. This is accomplished through a fun and interactive pitch contest. Entrepreneurs present 2 business minute pitches to a panel of judges who then provide feedback and advice.
At the end of the evening, winners are selected by the judging panel and audience. Winners receive an opportunity to connect more individually with the judges and potential investors over dinner to further discuss their business ventures and needs. In some cases, Boost winners are then invited to present a more in-depth business pitch to Angel Investor groups.
All participants receive written feedback to improve their business ideas and pitches.
Who should enter a Boost Mid-Michigan Event?
All aspiring entrepreneurs or early stage companies are invited to participate. If you have an innovative product or service idea that you are considering turning into a business, Boost provides an ideal opportunity to get feedback on your idea(s) from a panel of experts while also giving you an opportunity to connect with potential investors.
Is there a charge for participating?
No.
Who judges the pitches?
The judging panel at Boost events varies, but is comprised of angel investors group representatives, entrepreneurship educators, business leaders and policy makers.
I’ve never “pitched” a business idea before. What should I focus on?
Pitches at Boost Mid-Michigan events are 2 minutes in length, and should be viewed as your “foot-in-the-door” with potential investors. With this limited amount of time in front of the judges, it is important to focus your presentation. The common elements that judges look for in pitches are:
- A clear and concise explanation of the business concept
- A description of the need and target market
- A quick overview of potential competition and what your venture’s competitive advantage(s) are.
- Key players in the business and their background/qualifications
- Any progress in developing the business already accomplished
- The ask. This is critical! Investors want to know exactly how much you are looking for and what that money will be used for.
- Return on investment.
Can I bring a PowerPoint presentation? What about samples or prototypes?
No. Because of the limited amount of time, PowerPoint presentations will not be shown. You may, however, feel free to bring samples or prototypes if you have them. Keep in mind that these should compliment your pitch, not distract from it. You will not be given extra time for demonstrations, so take that into consideration when bringing examples.
I am not sure if I’m ready to pitch my business yet. Can I come and watch?
Absolutely! Also, Boost Mid-Michigan events are designed to be informative and non-threatening. If you have a potential business idea but aren’t certain that you are ready to approach investors just yet, Boost gives you a chance to practice and to get feedback from the experts so that you will be more comfortable and prepared when you do reach that point.
Who sponsors Boost Mid-Michigan events?
Boost Mid-Michigan events are hosted by JumpStart, a collaboration of entrepreneurial support organizations and business incubators and the Blue Water Angels investment group. JumpStart is one team operating under the Moving Ideas to Market (MI2M) initiative funded by the C.S. Mott Foundation and facilitated by the Prima Civitas foundation. MI2M also encompasses IGNITE, focused on entrepreneurship education in K-12 youth, and EnGen, focusing on entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions. More information on JumpStart and MI2M can be found at http://www.movingideastomarket.org.
When and where will the next Boost Mid-Michigan event be held?
Upcoming Boost Mid-Michigan events can be found at http://www.movingideastomarket.org
Where can I register?
You can register at http://www.gleq.org