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2023 Growth Series PITCH Story

In the spring of 2023, three local businesses were selected to participate in The GROWTH Series. Participants attended a series of workshops, received one-on-one mentoring and coaching, and presented their businesses to potential investors, community influencers, local organizations, and the general public at The Pitch event.

During the Growth Series participants received one-on-one mentoring and achieved measurable business growth milestones based on the Growth Wheel and mentor and self-assessment. Each participant attended a series of 7 workshops in addition to weekly mentoring meetings for 7 weeks.

  • Your Financials and How to Conduct an In-Depth Review 
  • One-to-one Live Financial Mentoring 
  • Leadership Challenge Developing your Customer Strategy for Your Product Mix
  • Marketing Tactics to Reach Your Target Markets 
  • Integrity Selling Developing Your Internal Processes for Consistency and Success

Growth Series 2023 presenters and companies are:

  • BP Bags & Boards, Larry Phillips
  • Craig Farm Katahdin, Samantha Craig
  • Excellence in Rehabilitation – Multiple Applications Table, Brian Scherff, P.T.
 
This event and the South Haven Region Business Hub could not operate if not for the invaluable partnerships and resources provided by…
Larry Phillips of Bags & Boards presenting at The Pitch

Our Planning Team

  • GB Richmond, Goodbye Money Stress
  • Scott Whiteford, Whiteford Wealth Management
  • Mike Neiss, Michael T. Neiss & Associates
  • Trevor Brooks, Kitchen Tribes
  • Michael Medema, Amplify Innovations & Entrepreneurship

Our Mentor Team

  • Kathy Merchant , Calico Cleaning
  • Prince Covington, MovePortz
  • Kevin Whiteford, Whiteford Wealth Management
  • GB Richmond, Goodbye Money Stress
  • Michael Medema, Amplify Innovations

Our Subject Matter Experts

  • Steve Cummings, SPC Consulting
  • Michele Coy, Michele Coy Enterprises
  • Michele Mollard, EOS Worldwide
  • Julie Payovich, FocusCFO
  • A. Elizabeth Bernhard, Manufacturing Growth Alliance
  • Jenifer Sistrunk, Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Mike Neiss, Michael T. Neiss & Associates
  • Bob Jank, Consultant/Investor
  • Michael Griffin, First Source Bank
  • Sandra Cochran, WMed Innovation Center
  • Valarie Cunningham, Synergy Health Center
  • Sarah Forest, Michigan Small Business Development Center
  • Maria Sorrentino, Pest Pros of Michigan
  • John Kepplinger, SCORE Kalamazoo/SW Michigan
  • Cheri Bales, Hannah/Gold Communications Marketing

Our Community Partners

  • Manufacturing Growth Alliance
  • WBC at Cornerstone Alliance
  • Emerge Innovation Hub
  • MI Works
  • MEDC
  • South Haven Township
  • MSU Center For Regional Food Systems
  • Market Van Buren
  • South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce
  • South Haven Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • City of South Haven
  • Lake Michigan College, South Haven

Donors

  • Big Blue Rentals
  • Kitchen Tribes
  • Amplify Connections
  • Sturgis Bank
  • Heart of the Haven
  • Michigan Flywheelers
  • Whiteford Wealth Management
  • Goodbye Money Stress

All South Haven Region Business Hub programs or co-sponsored events are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arrangements for persons with disabilities are made when requested two weeks in advance.