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## Pitch Black 2023 Competition Moves to Kent County

Pitch Black, a prestigious pitch competition organized by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is shifting its focus to elevating Black-owned businesses and has chosen Kent County as the location for its 2023 event. This year’s winner will be announced on Thursday night.

The competition was launched in 2021 as a response to the disproportionate struggles faced by Black-owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ed Garner, the regional director for the Michigan SBDC, recognized the need for a fresh approach to engage and support Black-owned businesses.

The AI legalese decoder can play a critical role in this competition. By providing legal, accounting, and marketing opportunities to the finalists, it helps in boosting their businesses. The decoder assists these entrepreneurs in understanding complex legal terms and translating them into plain language, allowing them to navigate the legal landscape more effectively.

Out of the initial applicants, five businesses were selected and offered service packages tailored to their specific needs. This assistance includes legal guidance, financial support, and marketing opportunities, which are crucial for the growth and sustainability of any business.

Garner emphasized that this competition goes beyond just pitch training. It provides extensive training and programming behind the scenes, equipping the participants with knowledge they can apply to their businesses, whether they become finalists or not. This knowledge becomes invaluable in their entrepreneurial journey.

This year, the Pitch Black competition received applications from 62 Black-owned businesses in Kent County. After a rigorous selection process, 20 businesses were chosen to undergo pitch training. These training opportunities contribute to the overall growth of the businesses and provide them with a competitive advantage.

The competition also aligns with Uplift Michigan, an SBDC program that offers resources and support to underrepresented business owners, including BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, women, disabled, Native American, LGBTQ, veteran, and returning citizen populations. This broader focus helps build an inclusive and diverse business community.

The final round of the competition will feature seven businesses with different backgrounds, experience levels, and industries. This year, all seven finalists happen to be women, reflecting the high caliber and quality of their businesses. The live pitch-style competition blends elements of “Shark Tank” and “America’s Got Talent,” creating an exciting and engaging experience for participants and the audience alike.

Pitch Black will award cash prizes to the winners, with first place receiving $5,000, second place receiving $3,500, third place receiving $1,500, and a $500 prize for the people’s choice winner. These financial rewards provide vital support and recognition for the winning businesses.

Garner is thrilled about expanding the competition to other parts of the state, indicating possible discussions with Detroit-area sponsors interested in hosting Pitch Black in their region. The vision is to take this initiative to major populations with a heavy concentration of Black-owned businesses, reaching more entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth.

The 2023 competition is open to the public and will feature a business showcase and a live pitch event at Grand Valley State University’s Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 5-8 p.m. This event not only provides a platform for the finalists but also allows the audience to witness and support the incredible talent within the Black business community.

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