TRAVERSE CITY – The GreenLight Michigan Business Model Competition is reaching out to Northern Michigan entrepreneurs working with TCNewTech and Northern Michigan Angels.

TCNewTech and Northern Michigan Angels will launch and manage the Northwest Michigan regional event. The regional finals lead-up event will be hosted in Traverse City, on March 6. Participants must enter the contest by February 28.

“We’re excited to see how this new collaboration will inspire our area’s entrepreneurs,” said TCNewTech’s Russell Schindler. “When we foster entrepreneurship, we give our community members the opportunity to show off their talent and ideas.”

GreenLight Michigan began in 2013; organized by the MSU Foundation’s subsidiary, Spartan Innovations, the entrepreneurial showcase has grown with the support of sponsors, like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, McLaren Greater Lansing, and MSUFCU.

Entrepreneurs from all across Michigan are able to submit their applications, which are reviewed by venture capitalists and startup experts, who then choose the competition’s semi-finalists. Select semi-finalists will compete for a chance at several prizes, totaling $100,000. 2018’s top prize is $40,000, and semi-finalists will be invited to East Lansing to present their business plan in front of a panel of seasoned judges.

“By offering entrepreneurs a competitive forum, hands-on mentorship, as well as the experience of competing for seed monies for their startups, we have the opportunity to see Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit in action,” said NMA’s Dennis Arouca. “Our members and partners will serve as mentors, coaches, and judges for the Northern Michigan competition.”

Across the last five years, GreenLight Michigan has awarded over $300,000 in startup cash. The competition is open to any Michigan resident, including companies created in the past 24 months.  

Russell Schindler, head of TCNewTech, stated, “Our technology meet-up has grown to over 1,300 members. Partnering with Spartan Innovations and NMA in this way is further opportunity for, and proof of, our growing regional tech industry. Entrepreneurs who enter get two bites at the apple—the winner in Traverse City receives a guaranteed spot in the state final. Moreover, all entrants will remain eligible to be selected by Spartan Innovations for the GreenLight Michigan finals.”

Key Dates:

February 28—GreenLight Michigan Registration & Entries close

March 1st–4th: NMA picks Traverse City finalists

March 6th: TC Finalists present at TC NewTech & winner selected. Cash awarded: $500

March 7th–27th: NMA members and other TC organizations work with TC winner to prepare for finals

March 28th: TC winner competes at Greenlight Finals, at the Wharton Centre for the Performing Arts, East Lansing

To enter and for more information, there are two required steps (Both free to apply.):

1. Go to greenlightmichigan.com to apply.

2. Go to tcnewtech.org to register and express interest in presenting on March 6.   

“GreenLight Michigan has been an integral part of growing Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Paul Jaques, director of student and community engagement at Spartan Innovations. “We look forward to bringing even more Grand Traverse-area entrepreneurs to the table.”