The People and Companies shaping what’s next
This is a weekly series highlighting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and the ideas driving Southwest Michigan forward. Through original reporting, Second Wave shares stories of local founders, growing companies, and the organizations supporting entrepreneurship across Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Cass, and Barry counties. The series aims to raise awareness of the region’s entrepreneurial energy, strengthen community connection to local businesses, and spotlight what’s next for Southwest Michigan’s economy. Support for the series is provided by Southwest Michigan First.
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.
A new shop devoted to vintage clothing has opened in downtown Constantine, where owner Stacy Synstelien is turning decades of collecting and retail therapy into a small-town business rooted in history.
Kalamazoo Women2Women, a growing local network founded in 2016, is fostering mentorship, collaboration, and business growth by connecting professional women across industries in a supportive, no-dues environment.
House of Plunge in Benton Harbor’s Arts District combines cold plunges, saunas, and recovery therapies as a one-stop shop for “feeling darn good.”
The Reach Forward Conversations Event brought local entrepreneurs, product sellers, and buyers together to spark connections that could lead to contracts, growth opportunities, and stronger small-business networks in the Kalamazoo area.
In Battle Creek, Felicia Jaramillo opened DelectAble Treats and Sweets to create jobs for people with disabilities, inspired by her sons and her own recovery journey.
A family-owned creperie, Full of Crepe, has brought sweet and savory crepes — and a touch of Italian espresso — to downtown St. Joseph, quickly becoming a local favorite.
Old Skool Bar has opened in downtown Kalamazoo with a retro-inspired, no-phones philosophy, inviting patrons to unplug, connect face-to-face, and enjoy vinyl music, pinball, pool, and dancing in a reimagined entertainment space.
Western Michigan University students are invited to pitch innovative business ideas in the new Cultivate 269 competition, where two winners will share $100,000 in seed funding and receive mentorship to help launch their ventures.
Thanks to Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, a wave of help is coming to address a potential 'Silver Tsunami' of mostly Baby Boomer-owned small business closures in Kalamazoo — the program aims to help preserve jobs, wealth, and legacy.
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