The Hatching 2026 Application

The Hatching is LEAP's annual pitch competition designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses in the Lansing region. The 2026 event will be Thursday, October 8th, 4:30 - 7:30 PM, at East Lansing Hannah Community Center. Finalists will compete for cash prizes, including $10,000 for Adult 1st place, $5,000 for College 1st place, and $1,000 for High School 1st place!
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Which category are you competing in?
High School: currently attending high school (if you are dual enrolled in a college course but are still attending high school, you should apply in the high school segment). College: currently enrolled in college or university. Adult: 18+ and not currently a student.

Business Basics and Details

Tell us a bit about your business or idea. To apply for The Hatching, you must live, work, or attend school in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County. Applicants may have an existing business, but it must have been in operation for one year or less. Business ideas that haven't launched yet are highly encouraged to apply.
Business Name
If you haven't named it yet, just describe it in a few words
In one sentence, what does your business do? If it's in the idea stage, what product or service would you offer?
How long have you been in business?
Have you legally established your business (registered with the state as an LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.)?
How many employees does your business currently have, including yourself?

Thanks for your interest in The Hatching. Based on your answers, you don't currently meet our eligibility requirements for this competition:
- Your business or idea must be one year or fewer since it was formalized, with two or fewer employees
- You must be a resident of Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County, Michigan (or, for the College category, attend a local college or live/work in one of these counties)
- High School applicants must attend a high school in one of these counties
  Adult applicants must be 18 or older and not currently enrolled in a college or post-secondary program
If you have an existing business that doesn't meet these requirements, you're welcome to apply with a new business idea or venture you haven't yet formalized or that's been operating for less than a year.

If you have questions, reach out to aurora@purelansing.com.

High School Competition Eligibility
What high school do you currently attend?
What grade are you in for the 2026-27 school year?
A parent or guardian must be involved so we can contact them regarding logistics for the event, as well as paperwork for your prize if you win.
Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Email
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

College Competition Eligibility
What college or university do you currently attend?
What is your university email address?
example@example.com
Is your college or university located in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County, Michigan?
Do you currently live or work in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County, Michigan?

Video Submission

Show us your business idea in your own words.
Upload a short video (2-3 minutes) telling us about your business idea. This doesn't need to be a formal pitch; we just want to understand the idea and get a feel for who you are!

If you're having issues uploading the video here, you can upload a blank image or document (as a placeholder) and send your video in an email to aurora@purelansing.com. Please include your first and last name in the subject line. Your application will be incomplete until your video is received. Thank you!
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Agreements & Availability

Review the documents below and confirm your availability and commitments.
Please review LEAP's Media Release Form.
Please check the below box if you agree to LEAP's Media Release Form.
Please review LEAP's Small Business Code of Conduct.
Please check the box below if you agree to LEAP's Small Business Code of Conduct.
I confirm that I am available to attend The Hatching on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Hannah Community Center.
I confirm that I am available to attend the mandatory dress rehearsal on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Hannah Community Center.
I commit to participating in a minimum of two virtual feedback sessions before the event (more details to come).
Should be Empty:

Business Basics and Details