West Michigan’s Premier
Pitch Competition
for Student Entrepreneurs
CURRENT WMU STUDENTS
Do you think you have what it takes to win thousands of dollars toward your business?
Cultivate 269 is bringing a whole new energy to Western Michigan University.
A high-impact pitch competition built to find the boldest student founders who are ready to take their ideas from
campus, to community, to the world.
This is your shot.
In year one, nearly $100,000 in non-dilutive investments will be awarded to winners to launch, scale, or bring your world-changing business to life — without giving up any ownership.
The Path to the Stage
Submit your idea, and you could be selected as one of the nine finalists who receive pitch preparation and training before the final event.
This is where big ideas stop living in notebooks and start moving into the marketplace.
Applications NOW open
Jan 12 2026 – Feb 27 2026
The Stage is Set
Key Competition Dates:
January 12 – February 27: Submission period is open to all WMU students.
March 20: The Nine Finalists are officially announced.
April 10: The Cultivate 269 Pitch Competition and Celebration.
$75,000 – Judges Vote
$25,000 – Popular Vote
© 2026 Cultivate269. A partnership between Kalamazoo Forward Ventures and Western Michigan University.
*269 is a registered trademark of Discover Kalamazoo.