Entrepreneurial Support | Thrive in Southwest Michigan is an initiative that provides a robust array of resources and programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. With small businesses accounting for over 47% of jobs in Michigan, the area has a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a rich history of innovation.

BBCetc is the premier resource to help secure and manage non-dilutive funding from government agencies, including DoD, NIH and NSF.

1 Million Cups Kalamazoo is a monthly event that brings together the local entrepreneurial community of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The event provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to present their business ideas, receive feedback, and connect with resources to help them start or grow their ventures.

South Haven Charter Township is a local government entity in Van Buren County, Michigan that provides municipal services and oversees community development, guided by a comprehensive master plan and a commitment to sustainable growth.

The Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) is an incentive program available from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) in cooperation with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

ID Ventures scales promising early-stage ventures into thriving companies that help support the state’s economy, provide jobs to local talent, and bolster Michigan’s growing startup community.

The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce is a vital organization dedicated to promoting local businesses and fostering economic growth in the Coldwater area through advocacy, networking, and community engagement.

Azon International is a leading provider of energy-saving thermal barrier technologies for the commercial construction market, specializing in high-performance solutions for windows, doors, and curtain wall systems.

Arvco Container Corporation is a family-owned, HUBZone-certified corrugated packaging company based in Michigan that has been providing expert, high-quality packaging solutions for foodservice, industrial, and government customers since 1971.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KCF) is a philanthropic organization that supports a wide range of initiatives in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, with a focus on promoting economic opportunity, educational equity, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

The Berrien County Clerk's Office oversees the registration of business names in Berrien County, ensuring compliance with state statutes and protecting businesses from name duplications.

MCN Ventures is one of Michigan’s most active and consistent investment organizations.

Check out events from all the APEX Accelerators below. Click on the events to view their details.

The Calhoun County Purchasing Department manages the county's procurement processes, overseeing bids, proposals, and vendor registration for all county departments. The department is transitioning to a new platform in 2026 to streamline the bidding process for vendors.

MichiganWorks! Southwest is a regional workforce development organization that connects job seekers with employers, providing a range of employment-related services through multiple service centers across southwest Michigan.

Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help. Business experts helping you succeed. No-cost business training, one-on-one consulting, and market research for Michigan's entrepreneurs.

We have loans for small businesses at every stage of their evolution Our loans typically are: Amounts from $1,000 to $500,000 Include free access to our Initiate knowledge portal Affordable fixed or variable rates from 7% to 9% Flexible terms Low origination fee of 2% to 3% of loan amount

TeamLogicIT is a managed IT services provider dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses optimize their technology and enhance their operational efficiency.

Access to Capital for Small Businesses, a program by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), facilitates small business loans across Michigan, empowering entrepreneurs with essential financial resources for growth and success.

The purpose of the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF) is to support the growth and development of Detroit-based businesses owned and operated by people of color.