Michigan entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to accelerate growth and attract investment, as Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) will host the Michigan’s Next Big Idea pitch competition in April, with a grand prize of $10,000. MCSB is the premier annual program recognizing outstanding small businesses, their employees and communities, and this year the organization is adding the pitch competition to its two-day summit taking place in East Lansing from April 21-22, 2026.
“Every day, entrepreneurs across our state take bold first steps – launching ideas, building momentum, and finding growth in many different forms,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “We are constantly looking for innovative ways to connect entrepreneurs with the resources to help accelerate their growth, and the Michigan’s Next Big Idea pitch competition is an incredible opportunity for a business that is ready to take it to the next level.”
Any Michigan-based business with fewer than 500 employees that offers a unique product, service or solution and is ready to scale is eligible to compete. The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and requires the following:
• 2-minute video pitch
• 1-page business summary (PDF)
• Financial snapshot (last 12 months)
• Statement of impact (PDF)
• Complete detailed answers about the business, innovation, market opportunity, financial readiness, scalability, and community impact.
Applications close on Feb. 27, and finalists will be selected by March 25. Five finalists will present a live pitch at the MCSB Summit on April 21, where a panel of judges and the audience will select the winner of the $10,000 grand prize.
Through MCSB, Michigan companies are celebrated for their entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to both their local communities and the state’s economy. Since its debut in 2004, the gala has grown into the state’s top small business awards program, with more than 1,200 honorees. The 2026 award winners and details about event registration will be announced in mid-February.
