The region’s most open monthly pitch competition
5×5 gives startups a shot to win $5,000. All you need is an idea and 5 minutes to pitch it.
special edition this month!
see below for details
Vote on your favorite ideas below!
September 5×5 Night Winner!
Carbon Dragon Technologies
Congrats to our September 5×5 Night winner, Joe Swinehart! They’re developing a patent-pending process that converts CO₂ into graphitic carbon, turning a waste stream into a domestic source of material for manufacturing, advanced technology and defense. The carbon can strengthen plastics, rubber and concrete, and even be used in batteries. By working with landfill and industrial operators, the company can produce near-CO₂ sources and later license the technology. The $5,000 from 5×5 Night will help prove consistent quality, competitive costs and fit with customer needs, strengthening supply chains and benefiting the environment.
Special Edition: GReenWay Opportunities
See what's coming. Build what's needed.
Our last 5×5 Night of 2026 is a special edition. Start Garden and DGRI are teaming up to invest in ideas that shape the future of the Grand River Greenway. Half a billion dollars is turning the river corridor into an 85-mile network of parks, trails and public spaces, and those new places will need food, rentals, repairs, rides, events, services and care. A café, a bike mechanic, a blue tech startup—the best ideas are yet to come and they all could build something here. Same format as always: an idea, 5 minutes and a shot at $5,000.
Submit by Monday, November 23.
Please log in to view your votes.
Know who's coming to your door before you hire. Local workers near the Greenway show you their real work on video first.
Spin City Mobile brings a portable roller rink, skates, and music to schools, parks, and community events.
How a Midwestern furniture town became one of America’s most celebrated craft beer destinations.
Affordable new and used tires, professional installation, and bilingual service for West Michigan families.
«Diseño collares y brazaletes artesanales personalizados, utilizando materiales de calidad, como acero inoxidable
Outdoor gear, picnic essentials, and lawn games delivered to approved Grand River Greenway locations.
Get Tesla-like safety & comfort features for the car you already own, plug & play, no permanent changes.
A mobile beverage service that will travel to the customer,wherever they may be, Make the drink and head off to the next
The Snack Shack: affordable grab-and-go snacks and cold drinks at approved Grand River Greenway locations.
Zappd lets customers order from a restaurant by simply texting the restaurant's own phone number.
InteriorListic Decor is reimagining how people design and shop for their homes all in one seamless experience.
A dating app that is based on energetic compatibility instead of aesthetics & swipes that partners with local busine…
Moore Flavor Express brings flavorful BBQ meals and mobile concessions to Grand Rapids events and Greenway visitors.
Techuvo makes websites, marketing, and digital tools affordable so small businesses can compete and grow.
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