Spark Manistee is a competition to encourage and incentivize entrepreneurs to open or grow their businesses in Downtown Manistee. We are not currently accepting applications.
5 IDEAS
Community members submit business ideas and the Spark committee selects 5 finalists.
These 5 local creators receive individual support from WSCC to create business plans.
These 5 local creators receive individual support from WSCC to create business plans.
5 MINUTES
Creators have 5 minutes and 5 slides to make their pitch to the judges panel and live audience on September 15th.
1 WINNER
The judges panel and live audience voting select the winning business idea. The winner receives a cash prize and DDA business incentives.
2020 WINNER
Joanne Snay – Artful Creations
2018 Winner
Jamie Catlett – Manistee Men’s Grooming Company
5K CASH
The winning business creator will receive $5k cash prize.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Professional in-kind business services such as marketing, accounting, and legal advice.
5K LOAN
The winner will be eligible for a low-interest DDA business loan, adding to the start-up cash on hand to launch their business!
How can I help support local business growth?
Working with and on behalf of the Manistee downtown business community, the Manistee Downtown Development Authority wants to make Manistee a great place to live, work and build a business.
Help support entrepreneurial spirit in the Manistee downtown through one of three levels of sponsorship. Your financial or professional consulting sponsorship will make someone’s dream a reality. See sponsorship form for details.