connect to the ecosystem

  • SpringGR

    We are West Michigan’s leading small business coaching program, we’re idea-starters just like you. We’re passionate about helping budding entrepreneurs build successful businesses, find their stride and create real profit. In the past six years our 12-week training course and support program has worked to launch over 300 businesses and create more than 400 jobs. Now it’s your turn.

  • Start Garden

    Start Garden exists to look at our region as a whole and continually work on the gaps and barriers to getting new businesses started. It’s not about launching a one-size-fits-all solution, focusing on one silo or one type of entrepreneur. It’s an immersion into a continually shifting landscape to align physical, social, financial and intellectual infrastructure around the needs of people launching businesses.

  • Michigan Small Business Development Center

    The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies. With our Lead Center at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids and 11 regional offices throughout the state, we provide entrepreneurs and business owners with convenient access to counseling and training throughout Michigan. The Michigan SBDC is committed to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan's diverse business community.

  • Emprende

    LEADeres is a non-credit leadership lab designed to support Latinx professionals as they pursue their individual career and life goals. The program emphasizes identity formation and personal development in the areas of cultural awareness, leadership, professional development, and community and civic engagement. Participants learn and grow together over a six-month period, engaging with seasoned leaders and working on teams to identify creative solutions for community issues. Graduates possess the skills, resources, and confidence necessary to support each other as leaders professionally and in their community. For more information please email: [email protected]

  • Grand Rapids Public Library Small Business Resource Center

    The Small Business Resource Center is located on the Lower Level of our Main Library and provides the timely and reliable business information you need to start, manage, and grow your business.

  • Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab

    New business strategies that cover idea feasibility, product development, pricing, and how to get to market. Participants will learn best practices from GVSU faculty and staff, as well as successful veterans in the entrepreneurial space.

  • SCORE

    Grand Rapids SCORE, and our Holland SCORE Branch, are committed to your success. Whether you currently own a small business or dream of launching a new business, our teams of experienced volunteer mentors are here to help.

  • The Grand Rapids Market Incubator Kitchen

    The incubator kitchen’s purpose is to be an inclusive space for food start-ups and entrepreneurs who are seeking resources, support, and technical assistance.

  • MSU Innovation Center

    The MSU Innovation Center combines innovation, technology transfer, start-up support, and a portfolio of dedicated business and community partnerships to bring cutting-edge ideas to the marketplace. Composed of MSU Technologies, Business-CONNECT and Spartan Innovations, the MSU Innovation Center stewards ideas from concept to product, launching more than 130 discoveries into patented products and start-up businesses annually.