Two small business owners from Berrien County are taking part in a statewide competition seeking to find Michigan’s most exciting new entrepreneurs.
Zo’s Mini Donuts of St. Joseph and Gauged Hemp Block Systems of Stevensville are two of five finalists in the “Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition” planned for April 21 in East Lansing. It’s being held as part of the annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Summit.
The five finalists will take the stage for a live pitch before a panel of judges and a live audience. Organizers of the competition say it’s designed to spotlight bold ideas, support entrepreneurial growth, and connect founders with support to grow. The winners will get $10,000 and statewide visibility.
Zo’s Mini Donuts is a fast-growing mobile donut vendor that can be seen all over Southwest Michigan in the summer, while Gauged Hemp Block Systems is a green construction company developing building materials out of hemp.
Also in the running at the Next Big Idea Pitch Competition are a high-tech wellness retreat in Detroit, an AI company out of Grand Rapids, and an AI literacy program out of Grand Rapids.
