TEDx introduces salons, it’s time for Startup Weekend 5, and makers at Catalyst

Now that Beer Week is over, Kalamazoo recalibrates and sets its sights on what’s new in the world of startups. Starting today, Jan. 22, and wrapping up Feb. 1 entrepreneurs will be the focus.

TEDx Kalamazoo invites the public to hear three speakers talk about their experiences as entrepreneurs as the group introduces a new salon format leading up to its main event in June. Upcoming salons will be on entertainment and food and beer. 

Today, Daniel Jefferies of Happy Graph, Joe Armstrong of Sportech Labs, and Kori Jock of La Vie en Orange will share their stories and lessons learned.

TEDx organizers say they hope listening to these three speakers will encourage our community to create ideas worth starting up.

The first salon will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at Western Michigan University’s Starting Gate, 161 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 400B, Kalamazoo.

Next up is Catalyst University, Jan. 29, to be at Wings Stadium for the first time. The daylong session put together by Southwest Michigan First offers a day packed with leadership lessons and inspiration. 

Another first this year is a contest between five companies in what Southwest Michigan First is calling the Makers Mart. Mamaleelu Cold Brew, Damn Handsome Grooming Co., Lush Gourmet Foods, Pop City Popcorn, and Handmade Kalamazoo have been asking their friends, and family, fans to vote for them since Oct. 27 in hopes of walking away with the $10,000 prize announced at Catalyst U. You can see their videos explaining what they make and vote for your favorite here. 

Finally, the month comes to a close with Kalamazoo’s fifth Startup Weekend. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 and continuing for the next 54 hours at the MLive Hub, 306 S. Kalamazoo Mall the startup-minded participants will pitch an idea, form a team, and launch a product.