Entrepreneur Opporunities

Funding

For product businesses (Global): Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Alibaba.com have launched the CoCreate Pitch. Sept 4th and 5th selected product based businesses will compete for a share of $1 million in cash prizes and Alibaba.com credits. The application deadline is August 15th. Learn more and apply.

0% loans (Local): Businesses that were in operation between 2020-2022 and were impacted by COVID can apply for 0% loans of up to $35K through Northern Initiatives and LISC.  To learn more, email Venard Roberson at vroberson@northerninitiatives.org or call at 616-329-6188.

Pitch for $5,000 (Regional): Every month, Start Garden hosts an event called 5x5 where 5 entrepreneurs each present 5 slides for 5 minutes to 5 judges to compete for $5K. Learn more and apply.

For business owners considering an exit through a sale to employees (Statewide): MICEO is offering a new grant program and that can pay for feasibility studies, pre-feasibility assessments, valuation services, legal services, and other critical support that enable business owners to assess their potential for employee ownership conversions. Learn more and apply.

For social enterprises (Statewide): The Center for Social Enterprise Development is launching an 8-month cohort for mission based social enterprises. Work collaboratively with other social enterprise founders across Michigan gaining technical skills like Business Plan Development, Branding & Marketing, Funding, Legal Foundations, and more. Applications are due August 7th. Learn more and apply.

For small businesses (Regional): Rende Progress Capital has opened a waitlist for entrepreneurs interested in joining their Grand Rapids based Loan Readiness Program launching Wednesday, August 20th. Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded up to $1,000 to support their business journey. Learn more and join the waitlist.

For small businesses (Local): Can-Do Kalamazoo’s Fall Camp starts September 3rd. With this 90 program, transform your business idea or new business into a success. Camp cost is $400 and limited scholarships are available. Learn more and register.

For food co-ps (National): The Up & Coming Food Co-Op Conference is being held in Kalamazoo this year on Sept 11th - 13th. The conference includes expert-led workshops and peer case studies, plus opportunities to build community and connect with other startups from across the U.S. Learn more and register.

For growth business ideas/pivots (Local): The WMED Innovation Center and Cantilever Business Partners will be hosting Market Validation Boot Camp Sept 26th - Oct 24th . Led by seasoned experts in entrepreneurship and market validation, you'll learn how to identify and understand your target audience's needs and pain points, validate your business idea through effective market research and customer feedback, refine your value proposition and messaging to resonate with your target market, and develop a solid customer acquisition strategy to drive growth and profitability.  The application deadline is September 15th.  Learn more and apply.