TROY – Ten Michigan women entrepreneurs have been selected as finalists to compete for a total of $40,000 cash and in-kind support, during a business plan competition on October 11 from 8 a.m. to Noon at Walsh College in Troy. A collaborative effort by the Michigan Women’s Foundation, Walsh College, Inforum and Huntington Bank, the Entrepreneur-YOU business and pitch competition drew 125 initial applicants. Now, 10 finalists will present and pitch their business plans before a distinguished panel of local business experts selected for their business savvy and professional and entrepreneurial experience.
The business plan finalists are:
- Lisa Ballo of Royal Oak for Belightful Yoga, a personal service company
- Diane Durance of Lansing for Harvest Food & Fisheries, commercial food production
- Hannah Hensel of Ann Arbor for Brio Device Application, medical devices
- Angelique Johnson of Ann Arbor for MEMStim, LLC, medical devices
- Shel Kimen of Detroit for The Detroit Hotel Project, hotel
- Nancy Martens of Birmingham for ElderCompass, healthcare software
- Angela M. McCommons of Ypsilanti for Kids Kruiser, transportation
- Daksha Patel of Rochester for Kevadiya, financial mobile application/software
- Marlo Rencher of Detroit for Good Sweat, Detroit fundraising event online platform
- Susan Sprentall of Wixom for SurClean, industrial service/maintenance
“As a committed advocate to the economic empowerment of women, it is exciting for the Michigan Women’s Foundation to provide this platform for the Entrepreneur-YOU finalists to utilize,” said Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of the Michigan Women’s Foundation. “The ability to provide these female entrepreneurs with funding, coaching and other resources specifically needed for women-owned businesses is vital to their success, and we are proud to be a part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
The purpose of the competition is to showcase ideas and uncover the best and brightest business concepts of Michigan women entrepreneurs, while providing support and feedback not typically available for women launching or growing a business. Women entrepreneurs at any stage of business, in any industry and at any age were encouraged to apply.
“Entrepreneurs are a key element to building a vibrant and healthy business community and women business-owners are playing a significant role in reshaping our economy,” said Stephanie Bergeron, president and CEO of Walsh College. “We are pleased to offer our assistance and business expertise to such an energetic and enthusiastic group of women as they continue forward on a successful entrepreneurial journey.”
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Jacqueline M. Northrop at jnorthrop@miwf.org. To register to attend the Entrepreneur-YOU Competition, visit www.thewalshinstitute.com/eyou.
