<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1z6fuB_1GzVm7ns00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1z6fuB_1GzVm7ns00" width="1200" height="675" ></figure><h2>MEET THE 2026 HYPE CONTESTANTS</h2>HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists; come support them on November 18th at the Solarium by WatermarkIn August, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber announced the return of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence – for its third year. The Shark Tank-style pitch competition gives early-stage business owners across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties a platform to showcase their businesses, connect with the community, and compete for funding and in-kind resources.This year's event will take place Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at the Watermark Solarium in Stevensville. More than a competition, HYPE is an evening of networking, mentorship, and celebration designed to inspire and empower the region's next generation of entrepreneurs. Guests will also enjoy catering by Bread + Bar.Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the program begins at 5:30 p.m. with a panel discussion featuring local business leaders who have built new ventures from the ground up and led family businesses into their next chapter. This year's judges and panelists include:<ul><li>Alexandra Ranft – Owner, Bare Naked Salts and Soaps | 2025 HYPE 1st Place Winner</li><li>Matthew Moersch – CEO, Moersch Hospitality Group (Tabor Hill Winery &amp; Restaurant and Round Barn Winery, Brewery &amp; Distillery)</li><li>Justin Cohen – Founder, Petite Acres | Co-Founder, Bionic Capital</li><li>Toni D'Agostino – Owner, D'Agostino's Navajo Bar &amp; Grille | Bridgman City Council</li></ul>Read more about our judges at www.smrchamber.com/hype.The panelists will then transition to their roles as judges for the live pitch competition, offering their expertise and feedback as they help identify the next big ideas coming out of Southwest Michigan.Entrepreneurs ages 21–40, whose businesses have been operating between one and five years, will pitch their innovative concepts to the panel. Winners will receive a mix of cash awards and in-kind resources—such as mentorship, business coaching, and marketing assistance—to help accelerate their growth. This year's cash prizes are $15,000 for 1st place, $10,000 for 2nd place, and $5,000 for 3rd place. Attendees will also vote live in - person for the "Crowd Favorite," who will earn a $2,500 prize.On November 10th, HYPE hosted its Pre-Selection Night to determine the top seven finalists. A special thank you to our pre-selection judges — Matias Soto, Director of Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship at Andrews University; Dan Buckenmeyer, SWSW Michigan Community Land Trust; Elizabeth Bernhard, Executive Director of the South Haven Regional Business Hub; Nate Carr, Business Consultant at the Michigan Small Business Development Center, Southwest Region; Andrew Robinson, President of Mosaic CCDA and Emerge Innovation Hub; and Kenyona Speight, co-owner of Hello Beautiful Boutique and last year’s second-place HYPE winners. We are thrilled to announce our finalists for next week's pitch competition!<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3ldKub_1GzVm7ns00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3ldKub_1GzVm7ns00" width="851" height="315" ></figure>*Biographies listed from left to right, top to bottom<h2>Sophie Atkinson</h2>Sourdough House &amp; Coffee BarSophie Atkinson is a 22-year-old entrepreneur and one of three partners behind Sourdough House &amp; Coffee Bar, alongside Becky Atkinson and Brittany Cochran, in Benton Harbor's Arts District.With an entrepreneurial spirit, a heart for hospitality, and a passion for her community, Sophie has played an important role in growing Sourdough House from a small cottage bakery into a thriving bakery and coffee bar. From helping develop the coffee program and leading farmers market operations to managing team relationships and learning the craft of sourdough, Sophie brings both vision and hands-on leadership to the business.For Sophie and her partners, success is about more than bread and coffee. It's about building something meaningful through Hospitality, Craft, and Intention—creating a place of belonging and making sure there's always a seat at the table.<h2>Oalliyah Hornes</h2>OH Art LLCOalliyah Hornes is a designer and entrepreneur from Benton Harbor, MI. A Dream Academy graduate (2014) with an associate's degree in graphic design, she is largely self-taught and has built a thriving career through creativity and a dedication to helping others.As founder of OH Art LLC, Oalliyah is a certified visual designer and award-winning artist whose work spans illustration, portrait design, and other creative forms that foster connection and expression. She is also an aspiring Art Therapist and Art Dealer, committed to supporting those facing trauma, mental illness, and learning challenges through therapeutic creativity.In 2024, she expanded her services to include art classes for teens and young adults, offering guided, DIY, and therapeutic sessions that help participants develop artistic skills while expressing their emotions. With a career marked by awards, mentorship, and major commissioned projects, Oalliyah now looks forward to launching an art trade school for 14–21-year-olds to inspire and nurture the next generation of creative talent.<h2>Thrijani Kantareddy</h2>KT's Rasoi Indian CuisineThrijani Kantareddy is the founder, owner, and chef of KT's Rasoi Indian Cuisine, a family-run restaurant in St. Joseph, Michigan. After earning her MBA in India in 2012 and working at Whirlpool, Larsen &amp; Toubro, and Tata Consultancy Services, she turned her lifelong passion for cooking into a business. Her menu draws on family recipes and traditions, centering on the flavors of Telangana and Hyderabad alongside North and South Indian favorites.Since opening in June 2024, KT's Rasoi has expanded into food truck service, corporate lunches, catering, and community events. Thrijani was named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 and the Bold Women of Business Class of 2025. KT's Rasoi is a Best Places to Work 2026 winner and was nominated by the World Culinary Awards for North America's Best Indian Cuisine Restaurant 2026. Her philosophy, "Good Food, Good Mood," reflects her belief that food brings people together.<h2>Sam Mason</h2>Twig &amp; Berry Kitchen | Buncha HottiesSam Mason is the recipe developer, photographer, and creator behind Twig &amp; Berry Kitchen, a food and lifestyle brand rooted in slow living and garden-to-table cooking. From her two-acre property in Southwest Michigan, Sam develops, films, and photographs every recipe herself, sharing seasonal baking and family dinners with a growing community on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, her website, and her monthly newsletter.Her work has caught the attention of brands like Smithey Ironware, Savannah Bee Company, Supernatural Sprinkles, Primal Pastures, and Maldon Salt. By day, Sam is a software engineer. By night, she's in the kitchen. Now she's turning that kitchen into a product with Buncha Hotties, unwrap-and-bake cookie dough made with real ingredients and launched with local Southwest Michigan partners.Sam lives in Stevensville with her husband and their two boys.<h2>James Morris</h2>Gym Rat Physical Therapy Performance and WellnessJames Morris is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the owner of Gym Rat Physical Therapy Performance and Wellness in Stevensville. A St. Joseph native and former four-sport high school athlete, James has built his career around helping people restore function and return to the activities they enjoy.He earned his bachelor's degree in Clinical Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with additional certifications in dry needling, golf fitness, functional movement assessment, and performance training.At Gym Rat, James provides one-on-one care that takes patients from rehabilitation to improved performance, combining hands-on treatment, progressive strength training, and movement education. Whether working with an athlete returning to competition, a golfer looking to move better, or someone seeking less pain in daily life, he helps each person make meaningful progress toward their goals.<h2>Becky Ray</h2>Arise Coaching &amp; Athletics LLCBecky Ray is a Southwest Michigan native and certified personal trainer who has spent more than 10 years working with clients in the Berrien County area. In 2021, she combined her expertise and unique training style to found Arise Coaching &amp; Athletics, a private studio offering personalized training tailored to each client's needs. Becky holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science and certifications in strength and conditioning, pain-free performance, kettlebell, self-myofascial release, and mobility training, and is currently pursuing a nutrition certification.She has presented for Corewell Health's Diabetes Prevention Program, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's Embrace 2024, and the 2025 National Strength &amp; Conditioning Association Michigan State Clinic. Becky is also the primary physical fitness and health and wellness instructor at the Lake Michigan College police academy, has volunteered with the Lakeshore High School varsity football team, and previously served as an adjunct professor in Andrews University's Department of Population Health, Nutrition &amp; Wellness.<h2>Kati Schoenwitz</h2>Baroda SodaKati believes that strong communities are built on two things: thoughtful infrastructure and meaningful local spaces. By day, the Southwest Michigan native leverages her background in strategic marketing and growth strategy to help her civil engineering team deliver vital water infrastructure projects across the nation.But her heart for connection extends far beyond her day job. In 2025, she and her husband brought a "new twist on an old classic" to their hometown with the launch of Baroda Soda. Conceived as a celebration of Michigan makers, the milkshake and malt spot offers a welcoming space where neighbors can share a tasty treat, discover local art, take a workshop, or gather over a board game.For Kati, it's more than a shop—it's a home for creativity, positive experiences, and opportunities shared with other local small business owners.Attendance is free, but a suggested $5.00 donation will support the continued growth and expansion of HYPE, ensuring more opportunities for young professionals in the years ahead.Seating is limited, and RSVPs are requested. To RSVP, visit: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/HYPE2026.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=30gYqW_1GzVm7ns00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=30gYqW_1GzVm7ns00" width="1200" height="1855" ></figure>About the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation: Established in 2024, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission to empower the region's business community through leadership, business, community, and economic development.About the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber: The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a non-profit business advocacy and collective-impact organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Established in 1954, the Chamber works to strengthen regional assets, advocate for regional priorities, and cultivate an economic ecosystem that prepares the region for future opportunities.</div></body>

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HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists; come support them on November 18th at the Solarium by Watermark. In August, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber announced the return of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence – for its third year. The Shark Tank-style pitch competition gives early-stage business owners across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties a platform to showcase their businesses, connect with the community, and compete for funding and in-kind resources.

Meet the 2026 HYPE Contestants

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HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists; come support them on November 18th at the Solarium by Watermark. In August, the Southwest Michigan Regi

Meet the 2026 HYPE Contestants

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