Nine students from Western Michigan University have been selected as finalists for the inaugural Cultivate 269 pitch competition, with a chance to win up to $100,000 in funding for their business ideas, according to a Mar. 30 announcement. The event is organized by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures and will take place on April 10 at the WMU Student Center.
The Cultivate 269 competition aims to support student entrepreneurship and give participants real-world experience in pitching business concepts. This year’s nine finalists were chosen through both community voting and a selection committee that included representatives from the university, venture capital firms, financial institutions, economic development groups, and local leaders.
The four community vote finalists are Khang Nguyen (VolleyNet – Subfinder), Samuel Marseille (Oneshot AI), Chy’Ah Smith (Thirsty Lemon Co.), and Kalea Barnes (Parisian Dream Desserts). The five selected by judges are Genesis Erhabor (Ground Loop), Caden Boynton (UnionOPS), Garrett Patnoude (Dekree), Connor Burkett (Volt), and Dericka S. Bellamy (The Deranda Institute).
Dwayne Powell Jr., chief operating officer of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, said: “The response to the inaugural Cultivate 269 has been extraordinary. When thousands of students engage in the voting process and bold ideas rise to the top, it proves the next generation of entrepreneurs is already here. At Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, we believe ownership builds stronger communities and Cultivate 269 is helping ignite the next generation of builders in Kalamazoo.”
Cultivate 269 stands out as Michigan’s largest student pitch competition where winners keep full equity in their businesses. Marcel Fable Price, director at Kalamazoo Forward Ventures said: “The inaugural year of Cultivate 269 absolutely blew me away! This truly was the lightning rod we hoped it would be, and we learned a ton about how to improve the process moving forward.”
Dr. Remzi Seker, vice president for research and innovation at WMU added: “At Western Michigan University, we believe education is most impactful when students apply what they learn. Through programs like Cultivate 269, our Broncos are empowered to move from ideas to real-world solutions.”
Finalists will receive mentorship from A:LAB consulting firm ahead of their six-minute pitches before an audience and panel of judges on April 10. Prizes include $75,000 for one judge-selected winner among committee picks and $25,000 for one winner among popular vote selections.
In addition to presentations by finalists on pitch night—which caps off WMU’s Research, Innovation and Creative Scholarship Week—the event will feature food from local vendors and networking opportunities with entrepreneur support organizations such as United Way,0 Sisters in Business,0 Startup Zoo,0and Room035.
Western Michigan University supports more than 17,000 enrolled students across its programs; the official website reports that it fields Division I varsity sports teams as part of the Mid-American Conference; promotes inclusive excellence; prioritizes sustainability through LEED-certified buildings; has received national recognition for several graduate programs; and emphasizes learner-focused education that is globally involved.