2 Oceana entrepreneurs finalists in competition.

2 Oceana entrepreneurs finalists in competition.  

FREMONT – Tara Kelley of the Bohemian Boutique in Shelby and Hesperia’s Deanna Dickinson, the Truffles and Goodies Lady, are finalists in an entrepreneur contest.

Twenty entrepreneurs submitted their ideas in the first-ever rural entrepreneurial pitch competition in Newaygo, Lake and Oceana counties. 

“We are absolutely thrilled with the submission results and excited for the future of entrepreneurship in Newaygo, Lake and Oceana counties,” said Julie Burrell, business development coordinator of Newaygo County’s The Right Place. 

A sub-committee reviewed and scored each submission, narrowing the list to the top five. Also in the running are: Sandra Bernard of Newaygo, Red Boots Kids’ Books; Ericka Freriks of Fremont, Baking Beauty’s Custom Cakes; and Camelia Hollinger of Grant, Pretty Pop Ups.  

The five finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts in Fremont, May 8, from 4-6 p.m. The top three finalists will receive in-kind services in addition to cash prizes of $4,000, $2,500, and $1,000. This event is open to the public, but registration is required. To register to attend, visit pitchnorth.com  

Every entrepreneur who submitted an idea will receive guidance on moving their idea forward, regardless of their final score.  

Pitch North was made possible through funding from the West Michigan Prosperity Alliance and Northern Initiatives. In-Kind prizes were donated from The Stream, Eric R. Fox, Attorney at Law and H&S Companies.