The city is flush with many ways to showcase an idea and (hopefully) if it connects with an audience or gatekeeper, it will become a business reality.
But what about those whose ideas are not something that cannot be monetized because they are driven by a different criteria for success?
The City of Grand Rapids presents a
pitch night on the Southeast side of the city where folks can showcase an idea aimed at reducing neighborhood violence.
Now before you get all defensive and shoot down the idea, here me out.
While violence in our cities (as well as suburban and rural committees) is a matter of concern, when sourcing solutions we often do not hear from the communities impacted where, in my opinion, sometimes the kernel of good idea can struggle to be given a voice to lift it from a concept to a reality.
Nonprofits and individuals are asked to pitch ideas aimed at implementation within youth ages 15 to 24. Submission of these ideas must be completed before December 2 and can be easily be added to the list for consideration by visiting this
website. All pitches must be made live and be less than five minutes in length. A panel of up to five judges will review proposals and applications.
City of Grand Rapids 3rd Ward Commissioner and SAFE Taskforce Chair Senita Lenear will oversee the event where nonprofits will compete for up to $5,000 to support their violence reduction efforts. In addition, individuals from the community are also eligible to participate as they jockey to win $500 to support their concept.
All told over the course of this night, the Taskforce will fund up to three organizations and three individuals. The ability of a city to host space for citizens where we can collectively listen and share ideas is ultimately the biggest winner of the pitch night.