HYPE seeks to foster entrepreneurship among young professionals. The event begins with a panel discussion highlighting young entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in Southwest Michigan. During the panel, attendees have the opportunity to glean valuable lessons from their journey, hurdles, and triumphs.

In the second part of the event, a Shark Tank style Pitch Competition takes place, with the panelists serving as the judges. Those participating in the competition will present their creative ideas and business plans in the hopes of impressing the judges. Cash prizes and valuable rewards are up for grabs for the pitch competition winners, helping seed them with the funding and support necessary to write their own success story.