Bonnie Gabriel’s work strengthening small businesses in West Michigan
Bonnie Gabriel and the Michigan SBDC help West Michigan’s small businesses navigate economic uncertainty, grow sustainably, and strengthen the communities they serve.
Momentum
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.
Yemeni coffee is having a moment. Kalamazoo is getting a taste.
Shibam Coffee is bringing the distinctive flavors and centuries-old traditions of Yemeni coffee to Kalamazoo while creating a welcoming, late-night gathering place for students and the wider community.
How a Kalamazoo startup is using AI to rethink the way students take tests
A Kalamazoo startup's AI-powered platform delivers instant test feedback, helping teachers save time and personalize learning.
The little building that keeps launching big restaurant dreams in Battle Creek
78 Calhoun Street has become a launching pad for Battle Creek food entrepreneurs, providing an affordable space where startup restaurants can grow before moving on to larger, permanent locations.
How a pair of soggy, smelly gloves sparked a Michigan-made business
Karen Smoots of Portage turned a household problem into The EcoDryer, a Michigan-made invention now helping keep students' winter gear dry in schools.
Gluten-free Kalamazoo Cookie Company finds sweet success
After years of baking from home, Tyler Dilworth has opened the first storefront for Kalamazoo Cookie Co., building a growing business around fresh-baked, gluten-free cookies.
Vicksburg’s revitalized downtown drives growth, community spirit, and local spending — with incentives
Vicksburg has revitalized its historic downtown and introduced a bonus-incentivized community spending card to boost local business amid changing retail trends.
Back in business: How the Southwest Michigan First Chamber rebuilt membership and renewed its mission
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 12-Year journey that put Junkless on grocery shelves nationwide
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 taps experts to create a recipe for success as a food entrepreneur
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.
