Five Entrepreneurs Selected to Compete for $10,000 prize in Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition
April 3, 2026
Finalists will pitch their small business concept live on April 21 in East Lansing
East Lansing, MI – Five small business owners are dreaming big, as they’ve earned the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 cash prize at the Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition. The competition is designed to help existing businesses take the next step to scale and grow their Michigan-based operations.
The live pitch competition, sponsored by Comcast Business, will take place on day 1 of the Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Summit, a 2-day event taking place in East Lansing from April 21-22, 2026.
“Michigan’s greatest untapped strength is those bold entrepreneurial dreams just waiting for the resources to put plans into action,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, founding partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. “Creating connections, offering peer-to-peer support and helping small companies scale to the next stage are catalysts of greater success for Michigan’s entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
The Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition finalists are:
Gauged Hemp Block Systems, Stevensville: GHBS produces eco-friendly, structural hempcrete blocks that lock in carbon, slash energy use, and speed up construction. Its hempcrete block wall system replaces multiple conventional layers (framing, insulation, vapor barriers, and cladding) with a single, fire resistant, non-toxic assembly.
Retreat Detroit, Detroit: Retreat Detroit is a tech-enabled neighborhood wellness hub that integrates plant-based food retail, advanced wellness services, and career pathways into one scalable urban ecosystem.
Vetr Health, Grand Rapids: Vetr Health is building an AI-native operating system and integrated diagnostics platform that empowers mobile veterinarians to run profitable, autonomous practices with lower costs and less administrative burden.
Wimage Technology/Wimee’s World AI, Grand Rapids: Wimee’s World AI is an interactive, AI-powered literacy platform that helps young children build reading skills, creativity, and empathy through safe digital storytelling and conversational learning.
Zo’s Mini Donuts, St. Joseph: Zo’s Mini Donuts is the go-to stop of Southwest Michigan’s coastal towns -a budget-conscious third space for teens and families looking for a late-night, alcohol-free, post-sunset treat.
The five finalists will present a live pitch on April 21 in East Lansing, where a panel of judges and the audience will select the winner of the $10,000 grand prize. On April 22, MCSB will honor small businesses from across the state at its annual gala, including those being recognized as one of “Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch”.
Registration for MCSB events closes the week of Monday, April 6.
About: Michigan Celebrates Small Business was created by a group of founding organizations that offer resources for small businesses. Since 2004, the annual awards gala has celebrated how small businesses positively impact our communities and state. MCSB is focused on supporting, connecting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.