MARQUETTE, MI (March 31, 2017 ) – The second annual SmartPrize will take place March 31 through April 9 in Marquette, Michigan. Best described as ‘Science Fair meets Shark Tank’ the ten-day competition taking place in the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a unique business competition designed to promote the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. In its second year, the event spurs economic creativity, development, and enthusiasm for entrepreneurism as competitors bring their ideas, projects, and businesses to life and vie for a share of the $30,000 prize purse.
Throughout the event, guest speakers will share insights and ideas to help those seeking funding, networking, and education. This year’s speakers include Thomas Coke, VP of North American Hubbub Fundraising, on crowdfunding; Jeff Wallace, President, Global Kinetics, on user experience; Jim Cederna, Professional Development and Leadership Coach, on growth and leadership; and Cathleen Francois, Executive Director, Greening Detroit, as Keynote of the SmartPrize Awards Banquet. Each presenter will share personal and professional insight to further inspire participants of the event. For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.smartprize.org .
SmartPrize encourages competitors to create exhibits that express a business or product idea for evaluation by a judging panel as well as crowd votes. The contest will award a minimum of $30,000 in prize money to great business ideas or products that are positioned to execute. Winners will be awarded in six categories: Innovation, Start-Up, Growth, Tourism, Tech, and Crowd Favorite.
New for 2017, is SmartPrize Jr . open to children ages 6 – 12 years old. The U.P. Children’s Museum will co-host the one day competition on Sunday, April 2 from 2 – 4pm, offering the opportunity for the smallest creators to exhibit big inventions or ideas.
SmartPrize events conclude with the SmartPrize Awards banquet on Sunday, April 9, featuring Earth Angels Aerialists performance and laser light show. The ceremony is emceed by Doug Garrison.
Travel Marquette serves as the destination marketing organization for Marquette County, in charge of marketing, education, community development and event support throughout the county. Its office is located at 117 West Washington Street in downtown Marquette. For more information, call 906-228-7749 or please visit online at www.TravelMarquetteMichigan.com .
For additional information on SmartPrize visit www.SmartPrize.org , or call 906-228-7749