What’s happening: Sterling Heights is about to get zesty. Macomb County’s first-ever small business pitch contest is coming to Velocity, the business incubator, accelerator, and co-working space in Sterling Heights. The Best of the Zest Food Pitch Competition is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22, the application window for which is open until 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 25.

What it is: The Best of the Zest Food Pitch Competition seeks packaged food and beverage producers based in Macomb County to compete for a portion of $30,000 worth of grants and business support services from Velocity and contest partners. 

Why it is: “This is a great opportunity for some of our small food producers to really show off their products while gaining additional exposure and a chance to win prizes along with wrap around support services,” says Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.

How it works: Following the application process, a top ten of select businesses will compete in the contest by each providing five-minute pitches on why they are the “Best of the Zest.” Seven of the ten contestants will receive awards, with the grand prize winner receiving “$10,000 in direct grants through Velocity that can be used to support their business operations or growth needs,” per the contest website.

Who’s eligible: Those small businesses eligible to apply for the contest must be a packaged food and/or beverage producer with a brick-and-mortar facility located in Macomb County; in business since at least June 11, 2022; be female-, minority-, or veteran-owned, or located in an underserved area; have less than $1 million in annual revenue; have 10 employees or less; and are in good standing with LARA, and have an MDARD license.

Visit The Best of the Zest Food Pitch Competition online to learn more about the contest itself, eligibility requirements, the application process, and more.

Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.