• Must be a U.S. resident.

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Business must be operational and generating revenue.

• No current or prior public office affiliation.

• Must pass a background check (ICHAT) - If a finalist

• If you operate an E-commerce/solely online business, it must be resident-owned in Dearborn.

• Brick and Mortar businesses must be Dearborn-based.

• Businesses primarily engaged in food/beverage businesses, alcohol, cannabis, or nightlife are not eligible for this competition.

• Businesses primarily engaged in real estate development, including but not limited to construction, property management, and real estate sales, are not eligible.

• Businesses' annual revenue must not exceed $250,000.00

• To ensure continued success, winners are required to participate in post-award follow-up, including meetings with pitch competition stakeholders at 3 and 6 months.

• Any applicant with a personal or professional relationship that could present a conflict of interest, such as immediate family members of senior city officials or close personal associates, will be required to disclose such relationships. (The City reserves the right to take this information into consideration to maintain the integrity of the process.)