About KZEN

The Kalamazoo Entrepreneur Network is a collaboration of organziations committed to supporting BIPOC and other diverse entrepreneurs in Kalamazoo and throughout West Michigan.

Meet the Leadership Team

  • Photo woman with brown hair.

    Beth Houtrow

    Director
    Kalamazoo Entrepreneur Network

  • Joe Galaviz

    Steering Committee Lead
    Kalamazoo Community Foundation
    Impact Investment Portfolio Manager

  • Carl Brown

    Steering Committee Member
    Startup Zoo
    Executive Director

  • Sonja Dean

    Steering Committee Member
    LISC Kalamazoo
    Deputy Director

  • Kevin Ford

    Steering Committee Member
    City of Kalamazoo
    Shared Prosperity Coordinator

  • Bonnie Gabriel

    Steering Committee Member
    Michigan SBDC
    Regional Director - SW Region

  • Joshua Gray

    Steering Committee Member
    Room 35
    Co-Founder

  • Jesus Grillio

    Steering Committee Member
    El Concilio
    Business Development Lead

  • Clarence Lloyd

    Steering Committee Member
    The Chamber - SW Michigan First
    Chamber Director and Vice President

  • Emily Olivares

    Steering Committee Member
    United Way
    Associate Director of Small Business and Community Impact

  • Marcel Fable Price

    Steering Committee Member
    Kalamazoo Forward Ventures
    Director of Community & Strategic Engagement

  • Ken Qualye

    Steering Committee Member
    Can-Do Kalamazoo
    Program and Partnership Director


Our Mission

To inspire, connect, and empower entrepreneurs in Kalamazoo County by championing inclusivity, fostering community, and providing resources for launch, growth and success.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The Kalamazoo Entrepreneur Network is an inclusive community that welcomes and celebrates everyone regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.


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