Coverage of those starting up businesses and community resources to help them thrive.
After years of declining membership and organizational change, the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is rebuilding its influence by expanding business connections, fostering inclusion, and helping strengthen Kalamazoo's small business community.
The Loading Dock, a newly restored event venue inside Buchanan's historic former Clark Equipment headquarters, will celebrate its grand opening July 25, bringing concerts, weddings, community events, and new energy to downtown.
Former Kellogg executives Ernie Pang and Larry Beyer spent 12 years building Junkless Foods into a national granola bar brand focused on simple ingredients before selling a majority stake to Impact Capital.
Battle Creek Food Reimagined focuses on food companies ready to accelerate their growth by helping them remove barriers to regional or national distribution of their products.
The inaugural cohort of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures’ Tsunami Lab brings together 13 aspiring business owners from more than 100 applicants to learn how to acquire and lead existing small businesses, addressing the growing need for succession planning as Baby Boomer owners retire.
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.
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