Startup Fest 2016 seeks budding businesses, mentors

With its second-annual Startup Fest fast approaching, the Generation E Institute is searching for Battle Creek's next great entrepreneurs.

The organization's weekend event Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at McCamly Plaza Hotel, offers entrepreneurs opportunities to work with area professionals to "define, design and grow their business venture," the institute said. After several days of mentoring, participants go through a pitch competition for a total of $4,500 in cash prizes. The winner takes home $2,500.

This year's Startup Fest is open to any business venture in operation for less than five years, including those still in the idea stage.

Amanda Lankerd, program developer at the Generation E Institute and its Center for Entrepreneurship, said this year's event will look to provide business expertise in a number of areas including marketing, product and web design and human resources, among others. Lankerd, who regularly assists local businesses, said starting a new business is a "risky venture," but the culture of Startup Fest is about reducing risks and making sensible choices.

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"They’re very passionate, but passion does not solely make a business successful. It takes more than that," she said. "Who are your customers? Have you tested your market? What are your plans to test the market to meet their needs? Have you thought about how you might make money? What expenses will you incur?

"It's really about thinking through all aspects of running a business."

Last year saw nine entrepreneurs compete in Startup Fest. Among last year's winners were Twinzy Toys, Umami Ramen, which soon will launch a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Calhoun Street, and Chase Dittmer's now-defunct Cologne Club, a prelude to his current business, Growpo. Lankerd said Generation E expects a greater turnout in the second year as the organization has tweaked it to allow entrepreneurs to meet with coaches ahead of the event.

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Generation E also is in the planning stages of launching a business pitch workshop in September.

"We know that the pitch makes people very nervous," Lankerd said. "Some of these entrepreneurs are very passionate about their business and it’s not always easy to get up in front of the community — it’s a public event — and it’s not easy to get up and share your passion in a public environment. These are their dreams they’re talking about."

She added the pitch competition is similar to the ABC show "Shark Tank," but without the "harsh, critical judges." Judges for the event have not yet been determined.

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The deadline for entrepreneurs, coaches and vendors to register for Startup Fest is Sept. 2. There is a $50 registration fee for participants. The pitch competition is free and open to the public. Entrepreneur registration can be done here; coach and mentor registration is here.

More information is available by contacting Lankerd at 441-1238 or via email at amandal@genei.org.

Contact Dillon Davis at 269-966-0698 or dwdavis@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DillonDavis