This 'Shark Tank-style' pitch contest returns in 2025
APPLICATION PERIOD OPENS JANUARY 9, 2025
If you have successfully completed your business planning stage and are looking for innovative ways to fund your business idea, Momentum may be exactly what you need. The Momentum Business Plan Competition is a contest that will award up to $15,000 to start or move an early-stage business to Mason County. It’s an incredible opportunity to start and grow your business!
Administered by the Chamber Alliance, the Momentum Business Plan Competition is open to any eligible independent for-profit or non-profit venture with a viable business idea, plan or invention; or an existing organization or company with less than $250,000 in sales or revenue annually. In addition to providing financial resources, the program offers the winner access to business mentors from Ludington SCORE and the board of directors to expedite the start-up phase and increase the likelihood of success.
Eligible contestants can submit a plan below. The Momentum Business Plan Competition board will evaluate submitted business plans and select five finalists to pitch their ideas in person before a panel of judges and public audience.
The winner of the competition will be announced and awarded $15,000 that evening, plus $10,000 in support services. Second place will win $10,000 and $5,000 in support services. A People’s Choice Award will be awarded $5,000 cash. The public is invited to attend the event.
Momentum is made possible with the generous help from our sponsors: Pennies from Heaven Foundation, Metalworks, FloraCraft, West Shore Bank, Ludington Daily News, and Chamber Alliance of Mason County.
Momentum Pitch Night
Five finalists will be selected to pitch their business idea for five minutes in front of a panel consisting of four judges. A live audience will serve as a fifth judge, in the event of a tie.
EVENT DATE: Thursday, May 8, 2025
LOCATION: Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison St.
Ludington, MI
TIME: 5:30-8 PM
GRAND PRIZE: $15,000 plus $10,000 in professional services
RUNNER-UP: $10,000 plus $5,000 in professional services
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD: $5,000 (decided by audience in attendance)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 24, 2025
Applicants have the opportunity to meet with a business mentor from the Michigan Small Business Development Center on February 5, 2025 in Ludington. Contact the Chamber Alliance for more information. kristens@ludington.org
Momentum 5×5 Pitch Night
5 IDEAS. 5 MINUTES. $5,000 PRIZE
We are excited to bring you the sixth 5×5 Night in Ludington, sponsored by Epworth.
Five applicants will be selected to pitch their business idea for five minutes in front of a panel consisting of four judges. A live audience will serve as a fifth judge, in the event of a tie. One winner will take home $5,000, in addition to in-kind gifts from Epworth, and an automatic Top 10 spot in the Momentum Business Plan Competition.
EVENT DATE: TBA
LOCATION: Epworth Heights
1161 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Ludington
TIME: 4:00 PM
One winner will receive $5,000, plus in-kind gifts from Epworth:
- An ad in the Epworth Annual - The ad runs in a book for all cottagers. Having the ad is also the only way to solicit Epworth cottagers, via business cards, brochures, social media, newsletter.
- Invitation to have a booth at Epworth's early-season open house to inform cottagers about the business.
- Invitation to take the stage at the next year's Momentum 5x5 to give an update on the business to the captive audience of both cottagers and Ludington-area public.
2023
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
Side Step Farms
2019
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
Inspired Parties
2018
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
Sister Bees
2017
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
All Occasions Events & Floral
2016
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
KandyLand Dairy
