Coverage of those starting up businesses and community resources to help them thrive.
KatchaSteak, a popular Philadelphia-style cheesesteak pop-up in Kalamazoo, is opening its first permanent location on Portage Street, bringing authentic cheesesteaks, hoagies and other Philly favorites to Southwest Michigan.
Recognizing that lack of capital is a leading cause of startup failure, Michigan's PitchMI competition offers young companies a chance to secure up to $1.25 million in funding while showcasing the state's growing innovation ecosystem.
Michigan’s award-winning Munchie Man Food Truck expanded into a year-round business with state support, a second truck, and growing demand from Holtec Palisades workers and Southwest Michigan events.
South Haven entrepreneur Max Gleiss is growing Max Transportation into a trusted Southwest Michigan travel service, offering stress-free airport rides, tours, and event transportation while earning support from the South Haven Regional Business Hub.
After overcoming a life-threatening illness, Battle Creek entrepreneur Nicole Hart launched New Eden Microgreens with support from local business organizations, bringing fresh, health-focused products to stores and restaurants across Southwest Michigan.
A new six-week Storefront Growth Lab in downtown Kalamazoo will help Southwest Michigan retail, restaurant, and service business owners improve profits, marketing, operations, and long-term growth through hands-on coaching and peer collaboration.
Applications are open for the South Haven Regional Business Hub’s 2026 Growth Series, a free 26-week program offering Southwest Michigan small-business owners mentoring, training, and resources to scale and improve long-term success.
Maid in Battle Creek has expanded into Kalamazoo, growing from a local startup into a two-city cleaning company with a team of employees, commercial and residential clients, and a continued focus on personalized service.
A Western Michigan University graduate student won $100,000 in a Kalamazoo pitch competition for his AI-powered medical language platform, highlighting the region’s growing support for student entrepreneurs and high-impact startups.
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