Oakland THRIVE has helped startups and small businesses succeed in Oakland County through mentorship and technical and administrative support since 2023. The organization will be holding its fourth annual Spotlight fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the PEARLS Event Center (26100 Northwestern Highway in Southfield).
This year will incorporate a small business pitch competition between three Oakland County entrepreneurs with a top prize of $5,300 to assist in business development. Alongside the competition, there will be community awards presented to local business leaders, a catered dinner with open bar, shopping with independent vendors and networking opportunities. The event is presented by Fifth Third Bank.
“Every day, Oakland THRIVE is equipping small businesses in Oakland County with tools to help them succeed,” said Oakland THRIVE CEO Camille Walker Banks. “We provide talented entrepreneurs expert guidance and support to make their business dreams a reality which in turn improves the financial health of the community at large. This year’s exciting Spotlight event will bring together Oakland County’s best and brightest current and future small business leaders.”
Three entrepreneurs out of 15 made the cut to present their pitch in three-minute presentations before a panel of judges made up of local business leaders, who will then question the entrepreneurs for two minutes. The first prize is $5,300, second prize is $2,500 and third prize is $1,500; participants will also receive six hours of consulting help from an Oakland County business professional.
The contestants are:
Cynthia Hartness, master clinical herbalist and founder of Wildling Sanctuary, a holistic herbal apothecary, tea shop and community sanctuary in Highland.
Tiana K. Baker, a healthcare and supply chain professional and founder of Lenses of Love Foundation, a nonprofit expanding access to vision care for underserved communities.
Christina “Georgee” George, a marketing graduate and the founder of Yummee Pop Popcorn, premium, small batch popcorn with bold flavors and simple ingredients which is vegan friendly and gluten free.
In addition to the three pitch competitors, Sujay Panuganti, a 16-year-old high school student, will present his college preparation platform called StriveThru. The platform helps students understand where they stand in the admissions process and next steps. Panuganti will be receiving a stipend from Oakland THRIVE to help support his project.
The competition judges are Tawnya Rose, Community Development Manager at Fifth Third Bank; Jennifer Burley, Managing Director of Community Development at CIBC Bank; Ann Giese of Highland White Lake Business Association; Jeffrey Watt, Owner of Real World HR Solutions; and Allen Ford, Business Banking Branch Manager at PNC Bank, Pontiac.
Tickets are available at http://www.oaklandthrive.org/events.