Ferris State has partnered with Middle Michigan Development Corporation to offer students a chance to turn their concepts into companies.
Middle Michigan Development Corporation and Ferris are partnering together to allow students and alumni alike to participate in the Idea to Pitch entrepreneurial accelerator, which is a workshop and competition for business idea pitches. The idea to pitch accelerator is hosted by Premier Event Sponsor and the facilitator is Middle Michigan Development Corporation in partnership with Ferris State University’s Career & Professional Success, Student Government Association and Bulldog Entrepreneurs RSO.
This competition will provide students with the skills they need to create business ideas and turn them into valid concepts. Participants will be able to build and showcase their entrepreneurial ability and learn how to use those abilities in real world applications.
Those who participate in the competition will receive mentorship throughout the creative process, a certificate for completing and possibly even a cash prize.
Career Readiness Specialist Michele Albright and one of the programs coordinators, described how this event acts as a qualifying event for another competition with even more at stake.
“Top participants will be invited to participate in larger regional and state pitch competitions taking place in Grand Rapids and Mount Pleasant,” Albright said.
The Idea to Pitch: Entrepreneurial Accelerator is open for students of all majors and ages to join including alumni, aiming to show entrepreneurship isn’t limited to business degrees.
Students will be offered guidance through every step of their pitch creating process and will be connected with community leaders and alumni mentors.
This event is an opportunity for any student to try out their big idea or just learn more about the pitching process in general.
“Even if students don’t start a business, entrepreneurship programs still build valuable transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability,” Albright said. “Students gain confidence, real-world experience, and an innovative mindset that helps them stand out to employers and succeed in any career path.”
Participants will work with and learn from experts the skills needed to set themselves and their future business up for success. If you have a great idea or good side gig this competition offers a chance to refine your concept and receive professional feedback.
Director of Career and Professional Success Angela Roman touched on what this opportunity will require students to bring to the table and what they will be able to take away from the experience.
“This experience will require students to go through the whole process of idea generation to creating a plan to take action,” Roman said. “There will be education and support through this process which ensures everyone participating will learn and practice entrepreneurial skills.”
Workshops throughout the competition focus on developing practical business skills like problem solving and effective communication with experienced mentors. Sessions are meant to teach students and give them a space to create professional level business concepts and pitches.
Programs that focus on innovation and self thinking are potentially useful to any student. Roman described how entrepreneurial thinking can help them stand out even if their post-college goal isn’t starting a business.
“My hope is that students participating in this program become resilient, innovative, and successful employees,” Roman said. “If it produces new local business owners that hire future Bulldog graduates that is even better.”
If you dont already have your big idea dont worry, the pitch accelerator will also offer help to those who need or want to create and workshop pitch worthy ideas.
Programs like the pitch to Idea Accelerator allow students to practice and experience professional expectations in a supportive environment. It also encourages students to gain knowledge in local economics by building relationships with local business leaders, relationships that could lead to future job opportunities.
Albright also commented on this program is likely to affect students when approaching the job market.
“Today’s workforce requires adaptability, innovation, and opportunity creation,” Albright said. “While career services build essential job-search skills, entrepreneurship helps students think creatively, solve real-world problems, and develop long-term resilience. Integrating both prepares graduates for diverse career pathways, including leadership, innovation, and lifelong success.”
The Idea to pitch: Entrepreneurial Accelerator begins Feb. 16, with the ideation and opportunity recognition workshop then continues on Feb. 23 and March 2, with two more workshops and then ends with the pitch competition on March 18.
Any student interested can enter this competition by going to Ferris 360 and searching the Idea to Pitch: Entrepreneurial Accelerator or emailing Michele Albright at Mi*************@****is.edu.