Side Door Ventures is a global venture capital firm investing in audacious founders building the future at the fringe. We’re generalist investors and back teams across software, life sciences, space, frontier tech, blockchain, gaming, and financial services that aim to transform industries and improve lives.

Kalamazoo County is a governmental entity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through comprehensive services in health, safety, housing, and community engagement.

The Upjohn Institute for Employment Research is a leading research organization focused on employment policy, labor markets, and economic development, dedicated to addressing structural inequalities and enhancing workforce innovation.

Incubate | Emerge Innovation Hub is an entrepreneurial hub that offers a hands-on Catalyst Program to help product-based entrepreneurs strengthen their business foundations and drive sustainable growth. Through structured coaching, peer collaboration, and practical tools, the program equips founders with the strategic support and accountability they need to move from ideas to action.

Hamilton Law, PLC is a comprehensive law firm serving clients in Kalamazoo, Michigan and the surrounding Southwest Michigan region, offering a wide range of legal services including estate planning, business law, real estate, and litigation.

The City of Benton Harbor is a vibrant community in southwestern Michigan that offers a unique blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and a thriving arts and entrepreneurial scene.

Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit organization that focuses on economic development in Michigan’s Great Southwest by promoting business growth, increasing employment opportunities, and improving the local tax base.

The SBA District Office Michigan is a government organization that provides a wide range of services and support to small businesses across the state, including funding programs, business counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance.

BNI Michigan is the state's chapter of the world's largest referral organization, BNI, providing a structured networking platform for business professionals to share leads, build relationships, and support each other's growth through a ""Givers Gain"" philosophy.

The Michigan SBDC provides consulting, training, and research to assist small business to launch, grow, transition and innovate.

The Downtown St. Joseph Facade Grant Program provides funding to privately owned buildings in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan to improve building facades and prepare vacant spaces, with the aim of preserving the area's unique character and driving economic development.

New Sons Manufacturing LLC is an industrial 3D printing company in Kalamazoo, Michigan that specializes in producing high-quality plastic parts and components using advanced materials like TPU, ASA, and ABS. They offer custom design, manufacturing, and part replacement solutions for a variety of industrial applications.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is a state agency that oversees a diverse range of licenses, regulations, and programs to ensure the safety, health, and economic well-being of Michigan's residents, businesses, and communities. LARA has a dedicated team of Veteran Liaisons to assist veterans in navigating the department's processes and accessing relevant resources and initiatives.

Cascade Partners is an investment banking and advisory firm that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory services for middle-market companies across various industries.

Lake Michigan College is a comprehensive community college offering a diverse range of programs and hands-on training in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, and health sciences, aimed at preparing students for successful careers.

The Ka-Zoo Angels is a member-driven angel investing group that seeks to support startups and rapid-growth companies in Michigan through early-stage investments, leveraging the resources and network of the broader Michigan Capital Network.

Wakestream Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative technology startups, partnering with visionary founders to help them scale their businesses and bring transformative products and services to market.

The Rural Readiness Grant program, led by the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO), is working to support aging business owners in rural Michigan communities by surveying them to understand exit planning readiness and barriers, and then developing resources to help keep these businesses and jobs local through employee ownership transitions.

OppFund provides mortgage, small business, affordable housing loans, and justice fund initiatives in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing areas

Join our force SBAM is the premier organization for small business owners in Michigan.