videos - WKTV Journal

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Start Garden’s open contest for business startups, The 100, is back for a fourth season with video proposals now being accepted through July 11.

2019 Demon Day winners who each received $20,000. (Supplied)

Considered one of the largest business competitions in the sate with 100 potential recipients drawing from $300,000 in funds, everyone with a business idea or businesses seeking to explore a new opportunity are invited to submit a video. The winners will be announced at Start Garden’s Demo Day event, Wednesday, Sep. 21.

The 100 removes barriers to entrepreneurship, based on the belief that anyone, from any neighborhood regardless of resources, deserves a chance to take a shot at launching a business idea.

Here is how it works:

People can make a 100 second video explaining their idea
Videos are submitted to 100.startgarden.com
Videos are being accepted through July 11
Minimum age to participate is 14
Video submissions are not shared with the public
Participants can upload as many ideas as they wish
In July, 100 finalists will be chosen to receive $1,000 each, no strings attached
Finalists have two months to refine their ideas with community support
100 finalists present at the 2022 Demo Day competition on Wednesday, September 21, 2022
At Demo Day, 10 winners receive another $20,000 to help their business take off
Additionally, a $5,000 award goes to a high school student or team competing in the high school category

The 100 is the most diverse and accessible business competition of its kind. While it is open to aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the community, Start Garden promoted the first competition through intense marketing in historically underrepresented minority neighborhoods. The efforts paid off with demographically diverse submissions:

650 submissions in 2021
53% of the finalists were women and 60% were from minority groups

“When we designed the Start Garden 100, our goal was to make it a genuine opportunity for anyone from any neighborhood in Michigan,” said Paul Moore, co-director at Start Garden. “Not to mention, it’s literally the easiest $1,000 an entrepreneur can get to play with an idea.”

A 2019 study reported that the 100 candidates that participated gained no advantage or disadvantage based on:

Where they live
Education level
Household income

Start Garden Co-founder Darel Ross (Supplied)

“We are proud that the data shows The 100 is a level playing field in business competitions,” said Start Garden Co-Director Darel Ross. “Access to resources is the number one thing entrepreneurs need, and the 100 achieves that at scale.”

The 2021 Demo Day competition drew more than 670 visitors even during the pandemic. The winning ideas included a wide range of products and services: food and drink, online platforms and services, and manufacturers.

“We see it each year we do the 100. Relationships are formed, new ventures launched and new wealth created as a result of this experience,” said Start Garden Co-Director Jorge Gonzalez.

There is more to the competition than the money. The lead up to the competition and Demo Day itself is designed to expand an aspiring entrepreneur’s network, which is vital to getting any new business off the ground. 44% of competitors reported making more than eight new connections to help their startup. And more than 73% said they would “absolutely” encourage other would-be entrepreneurs to take a shot at The 100.

“The Start Garden 100 Demo Day event is a game changer for emerging startups and companies looking to get visibility with the ‘who’s who’ of West Michigan,” said Jeremy Evans-Smith, 2021 winner and Founder of Full Cycle. “The experience put massive tailwinds behind our company at a critical stage of growth.”

“As an entrepreneur, it’s very seldom that you’re in a room with 100 individuals leaning into the possibilities of their dreams. The energy, passion and connections gained are invaluable,” said Kimberly Slaikeu, PhD, Founder of Luxe Artisan Preserves and 2021 winner. “Best experience ever.”

“The experience we gained from 100 ideas has helped Wimage connect with partners all around Michigan and certain parts of the country,” said Michael Hyacinthe, founder of Wimage and 2021 winner. “We are grateful for the continued mentorship that that team provides.”

“The 100 was an awesome experience because it gave me the opportunity to pitch my business idea and access capital to take the next steps. I was lucky enough to get a check for $20,000 and the funds had a direct and immediate impact where I was able to build a product and go-to-market,” said Lee Constantine, 2021 winner and founder of Bookscore AI. “The support from the team at Start Garden and connections to other entrepreneurs in the community means everything.”

Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health (From Metro Health video)

By Jamie Allen
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

Race, gender, socio-economic status and sexual orientation are all common factors that determine risk in a health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. This public health crisis has exposed large health inequities in many populations, resulting in devastating and even life-and-death consequences.

“During a crisis like we are facing with coronavirus, it becomes convenient to abandon commitments toprincipals of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “This cannot be allowed to happen.”

As of mid-April, African Americans made up 33 percent of all confirmed cases in Michigan – and 40 percent of the deaths from COVID-19. In addition, the Kaiser Family Foundation has reported that those with a lower household income level are at higher risk of serious illness if infected with the coronavirus.

Screen shot from one of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion videos from Metro Health-University of Michigan Health

There are several reasons why these populations are experiencing higher COVID-19 infection rates including underlying health conditions, occupational environment and living situations. There are also barriers to seeking treatment that put some minorities at a disadvantage such as a lack of health insurance and transportation, language barriers and a fear of trust.

Metro Health is educating the community on these health inequities through a video series released today at https://metrohealth.net/covid-19-updates/diversity-equity-inclusion/. Featuring Dr. Booker, these five videos address the important topics of: Health Inequities, Economic Impact, Building a Culture of Equity, Xenophobia and Preparing for the Future. Along with each video are valuable resources for people to continue to educate themselves on the topics.

“Even in the best of times, healthcare does not look the same for all people. It is not equitable. A pandemic shines a bright light on those inequities,” said Dr. Booker. “Metro Health is taking an even greater responsibility and accountability to educate the community on this topic and ensure no one is left behind.”

Please visit metrohealth.net/covid-19-updates for the most up-to-date information from the CDC and resources to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.