LANSING — Michigan entrepreneurs have been given more time to compete for a $10,000 prize and statewide exposure after organizers extended the application deadline for the 2026 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Pitch Competition to March 6.

The pitch competition is part of the annual MCSB Summit, which recognizes standout small businesses from across the state and connects them with investors, economic development leaders and fellow entrepreneurs.

Originally set to close earlier, the extended deadline provides founders an extra window to finalize materials and submit their applications

2026 Pitch Competition Key Dates

  • New Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

  • Finalists Announced: Late March 2026

  • Live Pitch Event: April 21, 2026

  • Grand Prize: $10,000

What Entrepreneurs Must Submit

Eligible businesses — Michigan-based companies with fewer than 500 employees — must provide:

  • A 2-minute video pitch

  • A one-page business summary (PDF)

  • A 12-month financial snapshot

  • A statement of impact (PDF)

  • Written responses outlining innovation, scalability, market opportunity and community impact

Organizers estimate the application process takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Live Pitch at April Summit

Finalists will be notified later in March and will pitch live at the April 21, 2026 MCSB Summit, where judges — and in some cases the audience — help determine the winner.

The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, along with valuable visibility that often leads to investor conversations, partnerships and new customers.

For early-stage founders and growth-stage companies alike, the event offers more than prize money. It’s a platform to tell their story in front of Michigan’s business ecosystem.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying must submit materials before the new March 6 deadline.