Start Garden is a non-profit that creates opportunities for entrepreneurs with no-strings-attached funding.
Anyone with an idea for a new business or a way to grow an existing one is invited to enter the contest called “The 100.”
“Every year we get from 400-500 ideas, so it goes to show you there’s a lot of entrepreneurship spirit here in West Michigan.”
Start Garden Co-Director Jorge Gonzalez says it’s easy to enter.
People record a 100 second video entry and enter on the website.
100 finalists will be chosen to receive $1,000 to prepare a bigger demonstration with the help of mentors.
In September, ten winners will receive $20,000 to help their business take off, with an option for an additional guaranteed loan from Northern Initiatives.
The goal is to remove barriers to entrepreneurship, focusing on historically underserved areas and minorities.
“Our target is making sure everyone has a shot at it.”
The competition is about more than the money.
Mentoring and networking are vital components to getting any new business off the ground.
“We have been able to get several of our businesses onto the Meijer shelves and with that they are getting big contracts but its that kind of connectivity we’re talking about.”
There’s a separate category for high school students under age 18, and Gonzalez emphasizes that all ideas are welcome.
“Please don’t be discouraged. If you think my idea isn’t good enough, I still need to work on it. No. Just take 100 seconds and you could be the next $20,000 winner.”
Registration opens now and runs through July 8.
