Night of Innovation

May 12th, 2026 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center

Hosted By:

Presented By:

distinguished partners:

Supporting

Partners:

Join us for a dynamic evening of networking and innovation as we witness the city's pitch competition showcasing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.

Experience the excitement as promising startups compete for valuable recognition and investment opportunities!

FREE EVENT TODAY!

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entertainment

Victor Ghannam

thank you!

IT'S NOT A DEARBORN EVENT WITHOUT FOOD AND BEVERAGE!

Victor Ghannam is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who has performed throughout North, Central and South America, primarily on oud and qanun. A 30-year veteran of the stage, he has toured with many of the leading recording artists of the Arab World and is most recognized for his dazzling improvisations combining passion, technical brilliance, creative adventure and intensity. For this performance, Ghannam gathers some special friends for an artistic exploration into the sounds and messages of Eastern Orthodox faith traditions.

MEET OUR EMCEE

Amaya Kuznicki

Amaya Kuznicki loves connecting with people and sharing their stories. A proud Dearborn native, she always dreamed of coming back home to work in the city she grew up visiting — Detroit.

Before making her way to the Motor City, Amaya spent three years in Michigan’s capital at NBC affiliate WILX in Lansing. She started as an MMJ and worked her way up to the evening anchor desk, covering everything from breaking news to community features.

Amaya graduated from Michigan State University (Go Green!) and reported extensively on stories in and around campus during her time in Lansing. Her work has been recognized with Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards, as well as an honor from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. When she’s not in the newsroom, Amaya enjoys exploring Detroit — checking out new restaurants, discovering local shops, and spending time with friends and family. You can catch her on weekdays and weekend mornings.

WDIV Local 4 News

2026 pitch contestants

MY BREAST FEEDING JOURNEY

DEARBORN BALLOON DECOR

SAKINA SCRUBS

OVERTIME PRINT SHOP

SEW MODEST

judges

We're proud to announce the impressive lineup of judges for our upcoming pitch competition! These industry leaders and seasoned investors will bring their expertise to the table, evaluating each pitch with careful consideration.