In November 2023, 20Fathoms, our regional ecosystem partner supporting entrepreneurs and technology start-ups, received a Small Business Support Hubs grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The funding is helping support 20Fathoms’ expansion to offer its services to small businesses in all ten counties of Northwest Michigan, including Manistee, Charlevoix, Cadillac, and Petoskey. The support also means that Northwest Michigan entrepreneurs can access new funding and resources through its new partnerships with Michigan SBDC, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Venture North, and Traverse Connect. New services include grants, business consultations, educational programming, and professional service provider support. All entrepreneurs in Northwest Michigan are eligible.
20Fathoms’ monthly Open House: a casual networking night with spotlights of interesting entrepreneurs, startup founders, and community members. November’s event will feature Megan Alexander of Carter’s Compost and Sarah Alexander of Sleeping Bear Granola.
An energizing pitch competition showcasing Michigan’s vibrant Native American entrepreneurship and startup community.
The event is open to the public and attendees can expect a show that is fun, inspiring, and welcoming for the entire community. A pitch competition is an event where entrepreneurs compete before a panel of judges for funding and mentorship, as seen on the television show Shark Tank. Similarly, IndigiPitch will feature four entrepreneurs competing for prizes from a stage, but it will also have unique local and cultural components. The event will be supportive and friendly for both participants and audience members alike and centered on uplifting Native American businesses and culture throughout the event. Three awards will be named: 1st place: $5000, 2nd place: $2000, audience favorite: $500.
The four entrepreneurs presenting at IndigiPitch are:
Deter
Deter is a palm-sized micro-drone designed to interrupt threats before contact, providing real-time autonomous protection for the vulnerable. The Deter pitch will be presented by Fitz Doud.
Little Agate
Little Agate offers a simple, accessible approach to cloth diapering, pairing an education program with an offering of new and used cloth diapers to reduce waste. The Little Agate pitch will be presented by Leah Blanchard.
Nokomis Everstory
Nokomis Everstory bridges sacred storytelling tradition with modern technology to preserve voices in living form. The Nokomis Everstory pitch will be presented by Joshua Paul.
Rain & Revelry
Rain & Revelry brings storybook experiences to life through luxurious, immersive events. The Rain & Revelry pitch will be presented by Amber Kilgore, Gina Stegehuis, and Yarrow Young.
IndigiPitch will center Native American voices throughout the evening:
Opening Remarks: Winnay Wemigwase, Chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians
Opening Ceremony: Heather Syrette
Drum: Bear River
Emcees: Stormie Wakemup and Mark Wilson
Judges: Eva Oldman, Levi Rickert, Eugene Magnuson, Florence Ludka, Paul Bussey, and Shanna Shananaquet
Vendor Expo: Browse tables featuring Indigenous-owned businesses and other resources
Location: The Workshop Brewing Company in Traverse City
A casual evening celebrating our startup community with food, drinks, music, and a market featuring local startups, plus pitches from 5 Breakfast Lab attendees — your vote decides the $5000 winner. Mix, mingle, make merry!
