Ecosystem
The Midwest startup network we're exploring - and we keep expanding.
Kalamazoo
StartupZoo
Nonprofit community for Kalamazoo founders that hosts pitch nights, workshops, and networking for entrepreneurs.
Starting Gate
WMU student business accelerator that runs across fall and spring semesters and ends with a public demo day.
Cultivate269
$100K pitch competition for WMU students run by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures to fund underinvested founders.
Tsunami Lab
Startup lab by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures that helps founders validate ideas and get investment ready.
RIDI Venture Studio
Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation studio where students turn product ideas into market-ready ventures.
SBDC at WMU
Michigan Small Business Development Center office at WMU that offers free consulting, training, and market research.
Developer Club WMU
Student developer community at WMU that builds software projects and helps members grow real-world coding skills.
Data Science & AI Club WMU
Student-run club that teaches data science and AI concepts through talks, workshops, and applied projects.
Business Tech Network WMU
WMU group for students interested in the intersection of business, technology, and innovation careers.
TechNext WMU
Tech and innovation club at WMU that showcases emerging technologies and connects students with industry.
WMed Innovation Center
Located on the WMU Parkview Campus and supports startups with labs, offices, and business support services.
Kalamazoo Startup Center
Small business service that specializes in bookkeeping, financial literacy, and monthly reporting, starting with a free consultation.
Liminal Group Ventures
Venture studio and entrepreneurial hub that helps aspiring founders and early-stage startups become investment ready.
Kalamazoo Entrepreneur Network (KZEN)
County-wide entrepreneur network focused on inclusive support and resource navigation for BIPOC and local founders.
LINK Kalamazoo
Community organization that connects Kalamazoo youth and young adults with career, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Grand Rapids
Tech Week GR
Annual Grand Rapids tech and innovation festival with talks, meetups, and community events.
Start Garden
Grand Rapids startup hub that offers coworking, pitch competitions, and founder support programs.
DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
GVSU entrepreneurship center that provides courses, competitions, and mentorship for student founders.
MWC3
Annual Midwest Collegiate Computing Conference in Grand Rapids with hands-on student competitions, workshops, and industry-led sessions.
Battle Creek
ExpandingWe're building connections here. Stay tuned.
Holland
ExpandingWe're building connections here. Stay tuned.
Chicago
ExpandingWe're building connections here. Stay tuned.
Detroit
ExpandingWe're building connections here. Stay tuned.