The Hatching Returns with Powerful Youth & Adult Pitch Competition atLansing Shuffle

LANSING, MI — On April 4th, The Hatching, the region’s first and longest-running business pitch competition, made its exciting return to Downtown Lansing with a dynamic double-header event celebrating both youth and adult entrepreneurs from the Tri-County area. 

Co-hosted by The Mansion of Dreams and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the event brought together over 100 community members to witness eight high school students and six adult entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas live at the Lansing Shuffle. The competition offered a unique platform for emerging innovators to present their ventures, gain valuable feedback, and compete for prizes. 

“It was exciting to bring The Hatching, the region’s first and longest running business pitch competition, back this year!” said Tony Willis, Chief Equity Development Officer at LEAP. “This is a platform to launch businesses that make the Tri-County region a place of choice. What made this event even more impactful was it being a double header: one portion with eight high school students and the other with six adults pitching their business ideas, in front of a hundred people. We are grateful to our sponsors, PNC and The Lansing Promise, for their commitment to supporting entrepreneurship.” 

Among the high school participants, three standout ventures were awarded top honors: 

● 1st Place: Nails by Jamie T – A nail business driven by creativity, style, and entrepreneurial vision. 

● 2nd Place: Boxer Blitz – A boxing brand focused on promoting fitness, confidence, and youth empowerment. 

● People’s Choice Award: Daveah’s – A crowd favorite recognized for its originality and potential. 

The $2,000 grand prize was generously provided by The Lansing Promise, further demonstrating the community’s investment in the next generation of leaders and innovators. 

“This competition is about giving our young people a platform to lead and be heard,” said Myles Johnson, Founder of The Mansion of Dreams. “With partners like LEAP, PNC, and The Lansing Promise, we’re not just encouraging entrepreneurship—we’re creating access and opportunity.”

Plans are already underway for future Hatching events that will continue to elevate local talent and drive economic growth across the region. 

For more information or to support future initiatives, visit www.mansionofdreams.com or contact: Media Contact: 

Myles Johnson 

The Mansion of Dreams 

517-492-7604 

Mansionofdreamers@gmail.com 

www.mansionofdreams.com