Grand Valley State University has hosted a first-of-its-kind event in Grand Rapids which was billed as a kinder, gentler version of the hit reality TV competition “Shark Tank.” The “Dolphin Tank” introduced start-up businesses to investors in Michigan. Jeffrey spoke with event sponsore Consumer Energy‘s Director of Business Customer Care, Lisa Gustafason. She briefs Jeffrey on the buzz that was in the room with regards to this events.
She speaks on the need to support one another and how this sets the stage for economic development. Lisa gives the public and update on future entrepreneurial events and how Consumer Energy has pledged to support these type of events. A second interview in this segment is with guest Nikki Thompson Frazier, CEO & Owner at Sweet Encounter Bakery Cafe. Nikki briefs the public on her professional background and how she got involved with her current project. She relocated to MI and was told about the Dolphin Tank event by Judy Welch Executive Director for West Michigan of Michigan Women’s Foundation. She spoke on her expansion goals and wanting to be the first vegan free bakery that’s franchised. She eyeing the downtown Lansing area as her first store front at some point in 2016. This segment wraps up with excerpts from the pitch competition.
