GVSU, local leaders, celebrate Battle Creek Innovation Hub as central to regional transformation

Editor’s note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s On the Ground Battle Creek series.

BATTLE CREEK, MI — Throughout its renovation, the 30,000-square-foot Battle Creek Innovation Hub (BCIH) was gaining a reputation as not just a building, but rather a central place for innovation, connections, and education.

Leaders from Southwest Michigan and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) celebrated the completion of renovations at BCIH and their longstanding partnerships during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. 

In 2024, GVSU received a $10.4 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) https://www.wkkf.org/ to transform the building on Jackson Street, in partnership with Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU).

 GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella says public-private partnerships such as this are critical to moving Michigan’s economy and its workforce forward.

“For Michigan to take its place as one of the leading states in the country, it’s going to take all of us working together,” says Mantella. “The Battle Creek Innovation Hub is a perfect example of how education, the private sector, nonprofits and elected officials can align on building structures that will equip Michigan for the future.”

In her remarks during the celebration, Mantella also announced the Southwest Michigan Access Fund, which supports programs and services that enhance access to a Grand Valley education in Battle Creek and the Southwest Michigan region.

BCIH features classrooms, a commercial teaching kitchen, café, event venue, and collaborative areas. Programs within the facility include stackable degrees and certificates for working adults, plus partnerships with local employers to provide internships and other high-impact experiences for students.

Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO of BCU, says BCIH is a testament to what dedicated partners can accomplish. 

“Today, Grand Valley State University is doubling down on its presence, partnership and entrepreneurship offerings for the residents of Battle Creek and bringing its extensive array of programming centered around entrepreneurism and needs-based educational offerings,” says Sobieralski.

Jenefer O’Dell, Senior Program Officer and leader of the WKKF Battle Creek team, says BCIH reflects the needs and the aspirations of Battle Creek residents.

“This space is more than just a building. It’s a place where education, innovation, and community come together,” says O’Dell. “With classrooms, commercial kitchens, entrepreneurial services, and collaborative workspaces, it aims to spark new opportunities for our students, our educators, and our local businesses. It’s a launchpad for ideas and a hub for equitable economic growth in our city.”

Kara Van Dam, Vice President and Chief Executive for GVSU Omni thanked WKKF for recognizing the potential of how the former Kendall Center could be transformed into a dynamic center for education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

“Grand Valley’s partnership with the Kellogg Foundation and Battle Creek Unlimited has created momentum that will benefit generations of Southwest Michigan families,” says Van Dam.

Jonah Hurtado-Macias is working in BCIH as the Food Reimagined program and events coordinator. Hurtado-Macias is a GVSU alumnus and recipient of the Battle Creek Pipeline Scholarship. 

“What an exciting and transformative day this is for our city, our home, and for every builder, dreamer, and doer in this room,” says Hurtado-Macias. “This Hub represents a single front door where ideas meet resources, passion meets community, and potential turns into progress. It’s not just a building, it’s a bridge. It’s a place where innovation is no longer a distant dream but a local reality.”