Michigan Women's Foundation Announces Winners

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 The Michigan Women’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that for nearly 30 years has been working to achieve social and economic equality for Michigan’s women and girls, in partnership with Inforum and Walsh College, announced the southeast Michigan winners for the group’s fouth annual Entrepreneur-YOU Business Plan and Pitch competition, sponsored by Consumers Energy Foundation.

“The Entrepreneur-YOU Business Plan and Pitch Competition exemplifies the mission of the Michigan Women’s Foundation, to ensure a promising future for our state’s women and girls,” says Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of the organization.  “We congratulate all the winners and finalists and are confident that the SE Michigan business community has a bright future ahead with these women taking the lead .”

Cash prizes in total were $60,000 as well as in-kind professional support services in legal, business, accounting, marketing, and public relations to all the winners.

Lifestyle

1st – Madison Boutique – $15,000         
Nikki Mattison – Online, storefront and fashion truck boutique selling one-of-a-kind garments for women ages 25-50.

2nd – Love Travels Imports – $10,000
Yvette Jenkins– Authentic handmade accessories made my artisans and sold by underprivileged women and youth.

3rd – Cause Activators (formerly Detroit Wish) – $5,000
Dusty Welsh– Connecting large corporate brands with local non-profit organizations.

Growth

1st – Pro:Up – $15,000

Justine Sheu – An online marketplace that connects high school youth to extracurricular educational and career development opportunities.

2nd – Transition Coordination Services, Inc – $10,000
Darla Myers– Transition service platform providing real time data, interventions and analytics through care coordination during an acute episode.

3rd – Memloom Inc – $5,000
Gretchen Geist – Digital storytelling platform that connects brands with customers for higher online engagement.