The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with Emerge Innovation Hub, announces the return of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence. This high-energy, Shark Tank-style pitch competition is designed to showcase, support, and empower young entrepreneurs from across Cass, Van Buren, and Berrien Counties, offering them a unique platform to pitch their ideas and compete for valuable capital and in-kind support.
The 2nd Annual HYPE competition is set to take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Watermark Solarium in Stevensville. Sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and Whirlpool Foundation, the event is open to aspiring entrepreneurs ages 21–40 and promises to once again be an evening filled with inspiration, community connection, and business innovation.
The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a panel of judges focused on entrepreneurship, followed by the actual pitch competition. The top 7 finalists will present their business concepts in front of a live audience and the panel of judges. The judging panel, currently being finalized—will include respected business and community leaders offering valuable insight and feedback.
In addition to the exposure, the top three winners will receive a mix of cash prizes and in-kind resources, such as mentorship, marketing assistance, and business coaching, to help grow and launch their ventures into the next stages. Attendees will also help select a “crowd favorite”, who will receive a cash award along with in-kind resources.
“We are thrilled to bring back HYPE and give the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs a space to shine and take meaningful steps toward achieving their dreams.” said Jasmine Hansen, Events Director and Program Lead for NextGen at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “HYPE isn’t just about pitching an idea and potentially winning money; it’s about engaging the community and demonstrating to entrepreneurs that they are part of a supportive network of like-minded individuals. It’s about fostering growth, whether or not they secure a top prize.”
Participant applications officially open August 15th and can be submitted online at www.smrchamber.com/HYPE. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025.
- August 1 – Sponsorship Applications Open
- August 15 – HYPE Participant Applications Open
- September 30 – HYPE Participant Applications Close
- October 9 – Welcome to HYPE: Information Session (5:30 p.m., virtual or in-person; mandatory for participants)
- October 10 – Sponsorship Applications Close
- November 12 – Pre-Selection Night (closed to the public)
- November 18 – HYPE Rehearsal (closed to the public)
- November 19 – HYPE Event Night at Watermark Solarium
Admission to HYPE is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5, which will help support future entrepreneurial programming through the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation.
The SMR Chamber invites the business community to join in championing the next generation of entrepreneurs. By sponsoring HYPE, your organization will play a vital role in helping young professionals bring their ideas to life, while also demonstrating a shared commitment to innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in Southwest Michigan.
Carrie Vill, Board Chair of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, underlined the importance of the program.
“The Foundation is proud to support programs like HYPE that directly invest in the talent and vision of young professionals. These individuals are shaping the future of our communities, and it’s critical we create opportunities that not only inspire but also equip them with the tools and support needed to succeed.”
A range of sponsorship opportunities exist, with details available from the Chamber office:
Jasmine Hansen, Events Director
(269) 932-4605
