A group of Michigan military veterans enrolled at Grand Valley State University have spent the past 10 weeks taking part in a free course learning the art of pitching a business idea to investors.
“And tonight, is the final night where the hard work of learning, pitch practicing, ideating, experimenting, finally into a conclusion where we’ll be able to award $20,000 to a group of entrepreneurs that are veterans.”
Michael Hyacinthe is lead instructor for the program. He says the public is welcome to attend the event and can play a role in how the funding is disbursed to the veteran entrepreneurs.
“The community can come in and select three people’s choice awards where they will also have an opportunity to win some funding.”
Hyacinthe says as a veteran and small business co-owner himself, he understands the importance of giving veterans the opportunity to begin their own business.
“We’re really focused on innovation and looking at organizations and individuals who are at times underrepresented, and veterans fit that category, and we want to make sure that this is a place where they can do their service, come home, and understand that they can participate in the American dream through entrepreneurship.”
The showcase begins tonight at 6 p.m. at the Seidman College of Business on GVSU’s Pew Campus in Grand Rapids.
