What’s happening: A focus on business development, talent, and rural innovation will take center stage in northern Michigan this April as Northern Michigan Startup Week returns to the region. A variety of events and high profile guests are planned, including everything from the more conventional pitch competitions to a place-specific Founders Hike through nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes.
What’s planned: A lot. Included in the four-day package is the NMSW Launch Party & Bonfire Networking event; a panel on Funding Basics for Startups; the TCNewTech Pitch Competition; Founder & Family Wellness Workshops; a Women in Tech Meetup; Founders Hike; and the end-of-week Wrap Celebration.
Why it’s important: “Northern Michigan Startup Week is more than a week of events—it’s a local movement designed to foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification in the region,” says Bradley Matson, Lead Organizer of Northern Michigan Startup Week. “We’re excited to welcome both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward launching and scaling businesses right here in Northern Michigan.”
Who’s behind it: Local and regional partners support the annual event, which is hosted through a partnership between Northwestern Michigan College, 20Fathoms, and The Grove Incubator.
When and where: Northern Michigan Startup Week 2025 is scheduled to take place Monday, April 14, and run through Thursday, April 17. Events are scheduled at various venues in and around the Traverse City area, including the NMSW Launch Party & Bonfire at the Mt. Holiday Ski Lodge and the NMSW Wrap Party hosted by 20Fathoms at The Little Fleet.
Tickets and a full schedule of events for Northern Michigan Startup Week 2025 are available online.
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