DTE Energy held its sixth installment of the Bright Ideas for Neighborhoods business pitch competition, where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges and share how their business is impacting local neighborhoods. For the first time, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti were extended an opportunity to participate. Nine contestants competed for cash awards totaling $18,000.
The live competition has held on Thursday, Aug. 25, at Greater Grace Temple, located at 23500 West Seven Mile Rd., Detroit. This event was FREE to the public.
Bright Ideas for Neighborhoods brings the community together and showcases the ingenuity of enterprising entrepreneurs who are serving their local neighborhoods through employment opportunities and providing essential products or services. Emcee for the program was Monica Morgan who is a local radio host on 910 AM, professional speaker and award-winning photographer.
The panel of judges:
· Charles Finneran, Director, Supply Chain Management
· Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, Greater Grace Temple
· Dana Williams, Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit at Work
Finalists:
Tafari Roberts (FIRST PLACE / $5,000)
The Tafari Group & Rove Soapsheets
Detroit, MI
Celeste Ivey (SECOND PLACE / $4,000)
Patisserie Ci Corp
Detroit, MI
Cathryn Coleman (THIRD PLACE / $3,000)
Bouncing Around The City
Detroit, MI
Four remaining contestants each received a consolation prize of $1,000 each.
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