Lake Trust Foundation Awards $11K to Local Entrepreneurs Through First Pitch Competition
The Lake Trust Foundation is continuing its focus on supporting small business growth with the launch of its first Entrepreneur Pitch Competition. Four Michigan-based businesses were selected as the inaugural winners and received a combined $11,000 to help advance their next stage of development. The winners are Whole Mama Michigan, DA BOMB TACO, C’Mon Betty and Reed Walker Design Collective.
The Lake Trust Foundation is an independent charitable organization of Lake Trust Credit Union with a mission centered on strengthening communities through small business support. The new pitch competition expands that mission by providing funding, visibility and relationship-building opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
“As part of our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, this competition was created to connect business owners with the resources, relationships, and capital they need to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses that strengthen our communities,” said Amanda Huszti-Vickers, managing director of the Lake Trust Foundation.
Participants in the competition were required to complete the Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute (LTEI), a free online program offered in partnership with Cleary University. The curriculum covers business planning, marketing, financial management and scaling skills. Nine graduates from the first LTEI cohort were invited to present how they plan to apply what they learned to grow their businesses.
“Small businesses play an essential role in creating vibrant neighborhoods and driving local economic growth. By supporting these entrepreneurs as they scale their operations, we are not only investing in their future success but strengthening the fabric of the communities they serve,” said Nicole Paine, business development manager at Lake Trust Credit Union.
The competition awarded four prizes. Whole Mama Michigan of Brighton received first place and a $5,000 grand prize. DA BOMB TACO of Detroit earned second place and $3,500. C’Mon Betty of Ann Arbor earned third place and $1,500. Reed Walker Design Collective of South Lyon was selected by the audience to receive a $1,000 Audience Choice award.
By combining education, coaching and financial support, the Entrepreneur Pitch Competition highlights how credit unions and their foundations can uplift local businesses and contribute to long-term community vitality.
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