This year’s Challenge drew in 280 enterprises from across Michigan!  The depth and breadth of innovation was inspiring. A high caliber group of social entrepreneurship judges from around the country reviewed submissions to The Challenge, and we're excited to announce the following finalists and runners-up!

Finalists will present their ventures at Friday’s Social Entrepreneurship Showcase from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by an awards ceremony from 5:30 – 7pm.  In addition to receiving cash awards and admission to Michigan Corps’ Fellowship from our various sponsors, these finalists will also be considered for an additional $1,000 People’s Choice Award, selected by the audience on the basis of finalists’ presentations. 

Additional panel discussions on the topics of social entrepreneurship and impact investing will take place from 1 – 4pm at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.  The public is invited! Click here for details and registration.

And, here are our finalists and runners up!

Finalists

• Wheels for Workers
• On the Rise Bakery
• Welding Artisan Center
• Detroit Food Academy
• Vehicle City Tacos
• City Girls Soap

Runners Up

• Youth Transit Alliance
• Lazlo
• Pill Pouch
• Smart Girls Guide to Self Defense
• BetterHope
• Eden Urban Farms

 
Support Service Prizes
Recipients for the following awards will be announced at our awards ceremony on Friday.

• Jaffe Right Start Prize
• NEW Building Strong Non-Profits Prize
• TechTown Detroit Prize
• D:hive BUILD Social Prize
• The Grand Circus Prize
• Community Ventures Honor Roll
• People’s Choice Award