Supporting Local Entrepreneurs at MiPitch 2026 ep 208

Driving Regional Innovation: Inside MiPitch 2026 with Dana Naff Small business development and entrepreneurial passion are at the heart of local economic growth. On a recent episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host and content creator  Duane Weed sat down with Dana Naff, Executive Director of the Montcalm Economic Alliance, to discuss the history, growth, and impact of MiPitch 2026. Discover Montcalm Podcast, host What is MiPitch 2026? Originally created in 2020 by Ryan Wilson, Executive Director of the Ionia County Economic Alliance, MiPitch is a joint entrepreneurial pitch competition designed specifically for for-profit small businesses located in Montcalm and Ionia counties. The name itself reflects this regional partnership, where the “MI” stands directly for Montcalm and Ionia. Over its six-year history, the event has expanded through strong community support, bringing together regional chambers—including the Tri-County Chamber representing Greenville, Belding, Portland, and Ionia—alongside key community banking sponsors like Commercial Bank, Isabella Bank, and Mercantile Bank. Hands-On SBDC Business Coaching Unlike traditional competitions where participants simply present an idea and leave, MiPitch prioritizes long-term entrepreneurial development. Every applicant receives direct guidance from Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) mentor Marie Elliott. Through this personalized coaching, business owners refine their business models, perfect their financial strategies, and gain public speaking confidence. A Transformational $10,000 Grand Prize Through growing corporate sponsorship, MiPitch 2026 will award a transformational $10,000 top cash prize to help the winning entrepreneur expand operations, invest in equipment, or launch new service lines. Secondary cash prizes and community support awards are also presented. Event Details & Crowd Participation Members of the public are invited to attend, network, and participate in crowd voting to support local business owners. Date: September 17th 2026 Location: Candlestone Inn, Belding, Michigan Schedule: 4:00 PM: Networking & Cocktail Hour 5:30 PM: Live Pitch Competition & Judging To learn more about the event or view competitor profiles, search MiPitch 2026 on Facebook. To feature your business, non-profit, or community initiative on Chatting Local or the Discover Montcalm Podcast, contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com. To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com. Discover Montcalm County: Greenville  Carson City  Stanton  Howard City  Lakeview  Edmore  Sheridan  Pierson  McBride  Trufant  Six Lakes  Vestaburg  Crystal  Gowen  Coral Watch or Listen to the Full Episode Check out all the episodes Click Here. Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on: YouTube Facebook Instagram Apple Podcasts Pandora iHeart Discover Montcalm is powered by the friends of the podcast It takes a community. Special thanks to: West Michigan Technology and Design Solutions WGLM 106.3 FM DW Video Business Growth Engine BluBrry Podcast Platform Together, we are building something bigger than a podcast—we are building a digital legacy. What’s New in 2026 We’re not slowing down—we’re expanding.  Follow Content Creator Duane Weed on TikTok On-Location Podcasting We now bring the podcast to your business, capturing your story in your environment. Chatting Local Segments Expanding beyond Montcalm County—while keeping our local roots strong. Tech Tuesdays Practical insights on: SEO Podcasting AI tools Digital growth strategies Your Story is the Fuel When you sit down on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, you’re not just promoting your organization. You’re: Strengthening the community Expanding local reach Creating lasting digital content Helping Montcalm County grow Discover Montcalm PodcastProduced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLCCelebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Supporting Local Entrepreneurs at MiPitch 2026! episode 208 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MIPitch-2026-Dayna-Neff.mp3 Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.