The atmosphere in the James B. Henry Center was thick with excitement on June 18. Everywhere you looked, something was happening. People were connecting, cards were being exchanged, ideas were growing. Businesses that were once simply a spark, an idea, a light bulb above someone’s head, were not only getting off the ground but were growing legs and running away with themselves.
Following all the activity was like trying to follow a bouncing ball. The excitement in the air was reminiscent of a football or basketball game, but it wasn’t. It was the Social Entrepreneur Showcase, but, according to Amber Shin, Marketing Director at MSU Innovation Center, “Why not treat it like a sporting event? The stakes are huge.”
The showcase was the culmination of the state’s first Social Entrepreneur Challenge, an initiative of Michigan Corps, in partnership with Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest (GLEQ) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
And the event did have the feel of a sporting event as participants took part in activities for which they had been training for months. Once entered in the contest, only the best would be picked to present at the final event.
The Initiative
The Social Entrepreneurship Challenge is meant to be a leg up for up and coming businesses that seek to make a positive social impact. As Michigan Corps urges Michigan’s citizens to connect and collaborate on social innovation, this event is yet another way they create a welcoming environment for those citizen’s seeking to bring on social change in their communities and across the state. The Challenge, and the events surrounding it, are all designed to build an atmosphere of collaboration among social entrepreneurs.
The Challenge was launched in February, calling for business ideas that would foster social change, and, according to Elizabeth Garlow, Executive Director at
Michigan Corps, the response was overwhelming. Over 160 business plans were submitted and from these, a group of six finalists were chosen to present at the Challenge, in front of a panel of judges consisting of Michigan’s leaders in entrepreneurship. Other events included a workshop hosted by THAW and Consumers Energy, and a networking session. Being a part of the showcase is a big deal as these businesses get a chance to have their ideas heard and have their businesses showcased.
“It’s an exciting thing to see Michigan leading the way in social innovation…” says Garlow, “Events like this put Michigan on the social innovation map.”
The Showcase and It’s Perks
Michigan Corps’ goal, when beginning their search, was to find business plans that applied business principles to solving economic problems such as unemployment and hunger. “We were looking to explore the role business can play in solving these (problems),” says Garlow. Eleven awards were given to business plans that encompassed this. Six of these winners got to pitch.
The event succeeded in bringing entrepreneurs from all over the state together and gave them the opportunity to connect. Like a sporting event, the showcase offers excitement not only for those participating, but also for those involved. As it can be challenging to present a brand new idea, not knowing how it will be received, having support from your community and peers is huge. This event basically offers a whole region of support.
The showcase even attracted its own set of spectators and cheerleaders. Many participants who didn’t make the final cut stayed for the final event to “cheer” on their peers and offer encouragement. Even though it’s a competition, the competitors share a common goal, a goal that benefits their respective communities and state.
Tom Flack, Founder and CEO of locally based company, R
ootloop, a social platform to collaborate and create music with friends and the world, learned firsthand what the benefits of events like these are. “It gives people tangible experience,” he says, “taking an experience from the web to the real world.”
Root Loop entered the contest in the “social entrepreneurship” bracket. They were chosen as finalists but while they were not chosen to present at the event, they did have a table set up and were able to present in what is called the “boost competition.” They were given two minutes and, using no visual aids, were allowed to pitch their idea to a group of venture capitalists. “The goal for us was to go there and get as many people excited about the project as possible,” says Tom, “and to make some strong business connections.”
Making strong connections is, in a lot of ways, what this event, and events like it, are all about. “The biggest part is networking,” says Paul Jaques, Director of Student and Community Engagement at Spartan Innovations (a sponsor of the event), “There are a lot of venture capital investors looking for ideas to invest in, so we are trying to match people up (with those investors).”
Local Impact
The event not only benefits the participants, but provides perks to the sponsors as well. As most of the sponsors are from Lansing, it’s important to them to invest in their local economy. In the participants, they see future clients and it’s important to them to invest in events that foster that. It gives these investors/sponsors a chance to hear ideas they may not have normally heard. In a transitional economy such as Lansing, a community that is trying to shift from solely industrial to new and innovative ideas, this is especially important. They get the chance to hear how to apply technology in new and innovative ways. According to Amber Shinn, “Investing in a changing economy is the only way we are going to change.”
It also exposes the participants to local resources they could need in the future. By having a local event with local sponsors, it lets them know what resources are immediately available to them. Not seeing people face to face is hard. Being able to connect with someone and knowing that person can psychically help you, not only over the phone or e-mail, is important.
Don’t Miss Out
It’s hard not to get excited about something when those around you are excited, and that’s exactly what happens when innovative minds that share a common goal get together. Initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Challenge, and events like the Showcase, encourage people to get excited, share their passion, and offers an environment where people can do that. If you missed out this year, there is always next year. Even if you’re not interested in pitching an idea, you are invited to participate in any piece of the event you would like. Enjoy networking, refreshments, and see products that have been brought to life by past participants.
According to M. Miche Suboski of GLEQ, “We do what is best for the entrepreneur.” As Lansing is reachable from most anywhere in Michigan, she’s thrilled to hold the event here. They bring all the resources together that the entrepreneur might need, and, according to her, “It is worth all the work.”
Photos ©
Dave Trumpie
Dave Trumpie is the managing photographer for Capital Gains. He is a freelance photographer and owner of
Trumpie Photography.