Since 2019, the community of Harper Woods has been hosting the Micro-granting community dinner "Harper Woods Soup" to spur economic development and to encourage creative ideas and projects to proliferate in the city of Harper Woods. For a donation, $5 attendees receive soup, salad, bread (and much more), and a vote and hear from four business pitches. Each presenter has four minutes to share their idea and answer four questions from the audience.

At the event, attendees eat, talk, share resources, enjoy music, and vote on the project they think benefits the city the most. After a musical performance from a local artist to promote local talent, votes are counted and the winner goes home with all of the money raised to carry out their project. The aim is to give small grants to business ideas and creative projects to get them off the ground with the expectations of seeing the business ideas go on the take business classes with Build Institute.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have not been able to host this event. In addition, local small businesses are in need of support. We want to turn this year's soup into not only a pitch contest but a virtual event to showcase local talent and encourage people to support our "startups" and "been ups". Join us as we support creative projects and new and innovative ways to make Harper Woods a better place.

As you all may have seen in the latest edition of The Insider, the Harper Woods Soup & Small Business Showcase is here!! Here are some details about the virtual event.

1. It's free this year, but if you would like to donate, click here to support small businesses in Harper Woods.

2. First 30 participants to register (That means you!!!) get a Soup Dinner provided by Rex’s Deli and Cornwall Bakery. Pick up Soup dinner from 20010 Kelly Road the NEDC Building, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm on Sunday before the event.

3. Join the event via zoom at 5 pm, using Zoom ID 835 9936 3255

4. Enjoy introduction and Small Business Showcase at 5:15 pm.

5. Pitches start at 5:30 pm.

6. Each presenter is given 5 minutes and a few minutes for 4 questions from the audience

7. A timer will appear on your screen let you know your time.

8. Eat your soup!

9. At 6 pm after all participants have been heard, there will be a live musical performance from Leslie DeShazor.

10. At 6:30 the winners will be announced and a special surprise announcement for all winners.