IndigiPitch

IndigiPitch is an energizing pitch competition that will showcase Michigan’s vibrant Native American entrepreneurship and startup community. Participants can expect an experience that is fun, inspiring, and welcoming for the entire community.

IndigiPitch is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in supporting Michigan’s business startup community is welcome to attend.

Event Schedule

• 4:30 pm: Doors Open! Connect with vendors including Indigenous-owned businesses and other resources.
• 5:30 pm: Pitch competition.

There will be food available during networking.

The five entrepreneurs presenting at IndigiPitch are:

*Deter

Deter is a palm-sized micro-drone designed to interrupt threats before contact, providing real-time autonomous protection for the vulnerable. The Deter pitch will be presented by Fitz Doud.

*Little Agate

Little Agate offers a simple, accessible approach to cloth diapering, pairing an education program with an offering of new and used cloth diapers to reduce waste. The Little Agate pitch will be presented by Leah Blanchard.

*Magnuson Design Studio

Magnuson Design Studio is a spirited studio offering custom interior decor, furniture, and full-service design led by a Native American artist. With heart and heritage at the center, it provides a thoughtful alternative to “Native-inspired” trends—celebrating culture with authenticity, artistry, and respect.

*Nokomis Everstory

Nokomis Everstory bridges sacred storytelling tradition with modern technology to preserve voices in living form. The Nokomis Everstory pitch will be presented by Joshua Paul.

*Rain & Revelry

Rain & Revelry brings storybook experiences to life through luxurious, immersive events. The Rain & Revelry pitch will be presented by Amber Kilgore, Gina Stegehuis, and Yarrow Young.

IndigiPitch will center Native American voices throughout the evening:

• Opening Remarks: Winnay Wemigwase, Chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians

• Opening Ceremony: Heather Syrette

• Drum: Bear River

• Emcees: Stormie Wakemup and Mark Wilson

• Judges: Eva Oldman, Levi Rickert, Eugene Magnuson, Florence Ludka, Paul Bussey, and Shanna Shananaquet

• Vendor Expo: Browse tables featuring Indigenous-owned businesses and other resources

For those traveling to Petoskey, discounted rooms are available at Odawa Casino in Petoskey; reference “IndigiPitch” when booking (code 3519).

20Fathoms may take photos and/ or video during this event. By attending the event, you agree to being photographed and filmed, which may be used for marketing purposes.

IndigiPitch is brought to you by:

Additional support provided by:

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number awarded to 20Fathoms by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

About 20Fathoms:

Based in Traverse City, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education, business coaching, TCNewTech pitch competitions, access to capital, a vibrant coworking space, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/