The Kiwanis Pitch, the finals of which will be held March 23, is a community service project initiated by the Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club that encourages Key Club and high school students ages 14-18 to explore and present innovative business and social venture projects.
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published March 5, 2024
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — The Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club’s pitch competition once again is offering an opportunity for young entrepreneurs and celebrating their achievements.
The Kiwanis Pitch, initiated by the Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club, is a community service project encouraging Key Club and high school students ages 14-18 to explore and present innovative business and social venture projects.
Those participating in Kiwanis Pitch form teams of one to four students with an adult adviser and create original works that are judged on feasibility, growth potential and wow factor.
Submission requirements included written narratives, a video and a pitch deck, which is a presentation meant to raise capital. The competition offers both in-person and virtual events with emphasis on a positive learning experience. Participants grant limited rights for promotional use.
The young entrepreneurs, as contestants, network with fellow community members, business leaders and educators who share a passion for empowering youth. The competition final will take place March 23 in Sterling Heights.
Theresa Farmer, secretary of the Utica Shelby Kiwanis, said the pitch competition allows high school students to showcase their new ideas to help solve real-world problems.
“The Kiwanis Pitch is our flagship event, empowering high school students to turn innovative ideas into tangible projects. This year’s live pitch event on March 23, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable showcase of creativity, community engagement and youth leadership,” she said.
Marc Alexander, the president of the Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club, said to forget the $10,000 prize, as the “Shark Tank”-style Kiwanis pitch competition is about so much more.
“It’s about investing in the boundless potential of our high school entrepreneurs right here in Michigan. This isn’t just a contest; it’s a platform for our youth to showcase their brilliance and ingenuity while gaining invaluable exposure to local leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. They’ll learn firsthand what it takes to be a dynamic change-maker in their community. As a winner of multiple pitch competitions, pitch coach and entrepreneur, the Kiwanis Pitch is near and dear to my heart, as I see this as a gateway to success for so many of our Michigan students,” he said.
Alexander said the event is focused on ideas and nonprofit collaborations that drive sustainable, impactful change.
“And with Kiwanians, leaders and entrepreneurs from across the state converging right here in Macomb at the Velocity Center, the stage is set for an electrifying event that promises to ignite passion, creativity, and positive change statewide,” he said.
The event will take place at Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.
For more information on the event or to get free tickets, visit uticashelbykiwanis.org/event/the-kiwanis-pitch.