
Momentum 5x5 Business Pitch Competition

5 IDEAS. 5 MINUTES. $5,000 PRIZE
We are excited to bring you the sixth 5×5 Night in Ludington, sponsored by Epworth.
Five applicants will be selected to pitch their business idea for five minutes in front of a panel consisting of four judges. A live audience will serve as a fifth judge, in the event of a tie. One winner will take home $5,000, in addition to in-kind gifts from Epworth, and an automatic Top 10 spot in the Momentum Business Plan Competition.
EVENT DATE: Monday, August 11, 2025
LOCATION: Epworth Heights
1161 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Ludington
TIME: 4:00 PM
One winner will receive $5,000, plus in-kind gifts from Epworth:
- An ad in the Epworth Annual - The ad runs in a book for all cottagers. Having the ad is also the only way to solicit Epworth cottagers, via business cards, brochures, social media, newsletter.
- Invitation to have a booth at Epworth's early-season open house to inform cottagers about the business.
- Invitation to take the stage at the next year's Momentum 5x5 to give an update on the business to the captive audience of both cottagers and Ludington-area public.
Momentum Business Plan Competition

2025 WINNER: The Roots Peony Farm
Prize: $15,000 and $10,000 in support services
2nd PLACE: HITCH HIKER COFFEE
Prize: $10,000 and $5,000 in support services
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD: RIZZO'S BREAD
Prize: $5,000
This business plan competition will return in 2027.

2023
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
Side Step Farms

2019
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
Inspired Parties

2018
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
Sister Bees

2017
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
All Occasions Events & Floral

2016
Momentum Business Plan Competition Winner:
KandyLand Dairy
