Bay City, MI — The stage is set for one of Bay County’s most anticipated small business events — the 2025 Business by the Bay Pitch Competition — taking place Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at John Glenn High School Auditorium (3201 Kiesel Rd, Bay City, MI).
Hosted by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this event highlights the creativity and drive of local entrepreneurs as five Bay County finalists pitch their business ideas live before a panel of judges — and the public — to compete for $11,500 in cash prizes.
The evening begins with a Meet & Greet at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Pitch Competition at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Guests can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, connect with community members and local business leaders, and participate in the excitement by purchasing a $5 “fan-favorite” ballot to vote for their favorite contestant.
“After months of intensive preparation, these finalists are ready to shine and showcase the hard work they’ve put into their business plans,” said Michelle Judd, SBDC Consultant and organizer of the Pitch Competition. “The ‘Business by the Bay’ event is the culmination of our SBDC training, giving these entrepreneurs the critical exposure and funding they need to make a real impact on our region.”
Finalists have spent the past several months participating in SBDC-led workshops on marketing, financial planning, and pitch deck preparation. After submitting their finalized pitch decks for virtual judging, the top five were selected to compete live on stage at this year’s event.
Meet the 2025 Finalists
- Malynnda Stewart – Compassionate Navigation
- Ashley Kirby – Turkey Bob Books
- Maria Sian – Great Lakes Healthcare Training Center
- Lily Boehm – Curious Minds Club
- Jennifer Barcia – Sweets and Boujee
These finalists represent a dynamic mix of innovation, creativity, and community-minded entrepreneurship — each bringing a unique vision to the Bay County small business landscape.
This friendly competition offers not only cash prizes but also valuable exposure, networking, and community support for emerging Bay County businesses.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Meet & Greet: 5:00 p.m.
Pitch Event: 6:00 p.m.
Location: John Glenn High School Auditorium 3201 Kiesel Rd, Bay City, MI 48706
Admission: Free and open to the public
Fan Favorite Ballots: $5 each, available at the door
About the Michigan SBDC
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost consulting, training, and market research to small businesses across Michigan. The SBDC supports entrepreneurs from idea to launch and beyond, serving as a vital resource for statewide economic development. Learn more at michigansbdc.org.
