Deadline nears for Native American entrepreneurs to apply for IndigiPitch competition in Petoskey

What’s happening: The entrepreneurs of Northwest Michigan’s Native American community
have until Monday, Oct. 13, to apply as contestants and/or vendors at the IndigiPitch small
business competition from 20Fathoms in Traverse City. The startup incubator and resource
center will host its IndigiPitch event on Friday, Dec. 5, at Odawa Casino in Petoskey.

What it is: IndigiPitch will feature the region’s Native American entrepreneurs at a small
business pitch competition a la the popular Shark Tank television program, inviting contestants
to pitch their startups to a panel of judges in front of a live audience as they vie for $7,500 in
cash prizes as well as networking opportunities, small business resources, and more.
Applications for on-site vendor booths are also available.

Why it’s important: “IndigiPitch will be a very special evening for the entire community,” says
Shiloh Slomsky, Tribal Liaison and Chief Financial Officer at 20Fathoms. “This is an opportunity
for Native American entrepreneurs to showcase their work, compete for cash prizes, and meet
supportive individuals. But we’re doing it our way at this event, using our voices and traditions to
create an evening that inspires, educates, and uplifts.”

How to apply: It’s free to apply as both a contestant and vendor for the event, and vendor
booths are available at no cost to those businesses accepted into the program. Applications are
due by Monday, Oct. 13, and are available online.

Most recently: The 20Fathoms nonprofit is no stranger to small business competitions,
regularly hosting such events throughout the year. The most recent iteration took place on
Tuesday, Sept. 9, where advanced materials manufacturing company Sequestro, which
engineers adsorbents to remove PFAS from water-based environments, took home a $5,000