Ecosystem

Nonprofit community for Kalamazoo founders that hosts pitch nights, workshops, and networking for entrepreneurs.

WMU student business accelerator that runs across fall and spring semesters and ends with a public demo day.

$100K pitch competition for WMU students run by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures to fund underinvested founders.

Startup lab by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures that helps founders validate ideas and get investment ready.

Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation studio where students turn product ideas into market-ready ventures.

Michigan Small Business Development Center office at WMU that offers free consulting, training, and market research.

Student developer community at WMU that builds software projects and helps members grow real-world coding skills.

Student-run club that teaches data science and AI concepts through talks, workshops, and applied projects.

WMU group for students interested in the intersection of business, technology, and innovation careers.

Tech and innovation club at WMU that showcases emerging technologies and connects students with industry.

Located on the WMU Parkview Campus and supports startups with labs, offices, and business support services.

Small business service that specializes in bookkeeping, financial literacy, and monthly reporting, starting with a free consultation.

Venture studio and entrepreneurial hub that helps aspiring founders and early-stage startups become investment ready.

County-wide entrepreneur network focused on inclusive support and resource navigation for BIPOC and local founders.

Community organization that connects Kalamazoo youth and young adults with career, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Annual Grand Rapids tech and innovation festival with talks, meetups, and community events.

Grand Rapids startup hub that offers coworking, pitch competitions, and founder support programs.

GVSU entrepreneurship center that provides courses, competitions, and mentorship for student founders.

Annual Midwest Collegiate Computing Conference in Grand Rapids with hands-on student competitions, workshops, and industry-led sessions.