Entrepreneurial Hub for the Greater Kalamazoo Area
We are excited to share that Can-Do Kalamazoo has been designated a Small Business Support Hub by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This grant supports us in building an entrepreneur-focused business hub focused on entrepreneurs who have been historically denied many crucial resources and connections needed to launch and sustain businesses. Part of this effort will allow us to partner with and fund other organizations whose programming supports entrepreneurs in our region.
Our Mission as a Hub
Can-Do Kalamazoo is committed to providing comprehensive resources and support to disadvantaged entrepreneurs in our region by creating pathways from ideation to launch to growth for a variety of industries and business models.
Our aim as a hub is to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting our subgrantees’ programs and Can-Do programs that meet the needs of our community.
Our Impact
Our focus as a hub is to ensure that entrepreneurs and small business owners have access to the resources and connections they need in order to build businesses that are part of a vibrant community and economy. Providing equitable and accessible paths to business is one of our core values, and as a hub, the impact of the hub will be that more entrepreneurs are learning crucial business development and management skills, accessing mentors, education, hands-on experience, and training they need to make the best decisions for their ventures; and creating positive economic ripple-effects as they hire employees, develop brick & mortar locations, and utilize many local business services.
Partnering for Success
These partnerships allow us to expand resource awareness to entrepreneurs and provide even more resources and support. We are proud to collaborate with four subgrantee partners in our region to support their programming and services.
STARTUP ZOO
Startup Zoo was founded in 2007 as a space for tech entrepreneurs to grow in Michigan. They provide experience-led instruction for startups and small businesses and are able to connect entrepreneurs with resources, investors, and community leaders outside and within Kalamazoo. By fostering collaboration and providing tailored support, Startup Zoo helps businesses thrive and innovate.
ROOM 35
Room 35 is a premier business consulting firm based in Kalamazoo, specializing in strategic guidance for startups and small businesses. With a commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship, they provide tailored solutions that drive growth and innovation. Room 35 combines deep industry knowledge with hands-on experience to empower clients to achieve their business objectives.
BETA
Black Entrepreneur Training Academy (BETA) is a five-month cohort-based virtual training program to equip, support, and resource Black entrepreneurs. Providing low-barrier access to capital alongside education is key to the success of Black Businesses.
BETA is a Black Wall Street Kalamazoo and Sisters in Business intentional collaboration.
SOUTH HAVEN REGION
The South Haven Region Business Hub is the result of caring professionals with successful business careers coming together. These professionals have fostered a new strategy that seeks to capitalize on promising small business formation rates after a decade of stagnation. They provide help and support to the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to provide the tools for them to build wealth.
Can-Do Direct Business Grant Application
Our Direct Business Grant Program offers financial support to entrepreneurs participating in Can-Do Kalamazoo programs. Funded by our MEDC grant, this program provides businesses the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $20,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Participants must have been involved in a Can-Do Kalamazoo program since April 1, 2024. This includes Can-Do kitchen users.
Application Process:
- If interested email funding@candokalamazoo.org or fill out the contact form below. Once you’ve submitted your interest, we’ll send you the grant information and application form.
- Applications are due by midnight on October 31, 2024. All submissions will be reviewed by the CDK team, and award decisions will be announced by November 13, 2024.
- Funds will be distributed by the end of the year.
Stay tuned for another grant opportunity in Spring 2025!
Can-Do Direct to Business Grant
Contact Form