The Can-Do Kalamazoo Story
In 2007, Can-Do Kalamazoo was established out of a passion for empowering local entrepreneurs. We began by providing hands-on support to a local food entrepreneur and have since evolved into a dynamic small business hub designed to assist entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. As fellow entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges of building a business from the ground up - the hard work, dedication, and passion it takes to turn an idea into a reality.
Today, we are excited to welcome you to our new location at 519 S. Park Street, where we can help you advance your ideas or business through tailored programs, dedicated workshops, and spaces designed specifically for your needs. Whether you need coworking desks, commercial kitchens, or resources, we are here to support you. You CAN-DO this!
Can-Do Kitchen begins in a small but mighty trailer at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds.
Can-Do Kitchen continues to support entrepreneurs at the First Baptist Church.
Can-Do Kitchen opens a commercial kitchen in the People’s Food Co-op.
Can-Do Kitchen grows operations and moves to 3501 Lake Street.
Now Can-Do Kalamazoo, begins their move to a new facility and becomes the hub for all entrepreneurs.
Meet the Can-Do Team
Meet our team - dedicated entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, and community builders, here to help, support, or just listen.
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Marketing Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
Contact him about: Marketing, social media, and event coordination.Jarrett Blackmon is an experienced marketing and communications professional who brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Communications Director at CDK. As a former member and entrepreneur himself, he understands the importance of access to resources and support for small business owners in the Kalamazoo community.
With a strong background in executing successful marketing campaigns, managing social media, organizing events, and engaging with media outlets, Jarrett is committed to supporting small businesses through effective marketing and communication strategies.
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Business Program Manager
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Contact her about: Information about our offerings, Can-Do Camp and outreach.Sheena started with us in 2011, coming from a fundraising background. Her experience with event planning, customer service, and project management helps small business owners bring their ideas to fruition and create the lives they want. During her many years at Can-Do she has worked alongside numerous entrepreneurs, with a specialization in the food industry. Her work focuses on fostering a nurturing learning environment that will help business incubates flourish.
When she isn’t working, Sheena enjoys listening to music, acting in theater productions, and spending time with her family and friends.
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Program and Partnership Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
Contact him about: Information about our program offerings and community partnerships.
Bio coming soon!
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Kitchen Manager
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Contact her about: Kitchen information.With over a decade of professional cooking experience and a degree in Nutrition and Culinary Arts, Bianca brings a tremendous amount of knowledge to our team.
Her passion, empathy for small businesses, and experience as an entrepreneur make her uniquely suited for her role here at Can-Do Kalamazoo.
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Founder & Executive DirectorPronouns: she/her/hers
Contact her about: Fundraising, donations, and partnerships.Lucy founded the Can-Do Kitchen in 2008 when she noticed the need for a shared-use kitchen in Kalamazoo. She brings years of experience in natural foods retail and extensive experience in managing a production kitchen, farmers’ market vending, non-profit programming, and administration. Her skillset drives the vision of the company forward. Passion for opportunity and equity is the fuel that keeps her going. She believes that small business owners can scale and grow with the right tools and a supportive environment. Her drive and knowledge inspires the people around her and results in key partnerships with the local community.
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Operations Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Contact her about: Facility operations, grants, and compliance.Deleon Dyson is the Operations Director at Can-Do Kalamazoo, bringing over 8 years of experience in public health and community engagement. With a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, she is dedicated to fostering positive cultural change and equitable paths to business success.
With her extensive experience and expertise, Deleon plays a vital role in Can-Do Kalamazoo’s success by streamlining operations, maintaining financial stability, and supporting the organization’s mission of promoting inclusion in the business community.
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Welcome Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Contact her about: Getting started with Can-Do.Jessica brings over a decade of experience in Kalamazoo’s nonprofit sector to her role as Welcome Coordinator for Can-Do Kalamazoo. Her extensive background in customer service and organizational management enables her to streamline our inquiry and onboarding processes, serving as a vital link between the community and our team. Driven by a passionate commitment to equity, Jessica works tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers within our community, ensuring equal access for all to thrive and succeed.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board stays closely connected to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, setting our guiding star - the vision that every entrepreneur will have a clear, equitable, and attainable pathway to success as a result of Can-Do Kalamazoo’s work
Current board members:
Pictured left to right: Hether Frayer, Maddie Isch (Chair), Jill Parsons, Drew Duncan (Vice-Chair), Katherine Kemp, Erik Schultz (Treasurer), Jessica Hermann-Wilmarth (Secretary) (not shown), and Kevin Crittenden (not shown).
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
At Can-Do Kalamazoo, we believe that everyone should have the chance to build a successful business and create generational wealth, but we know that systemic barriers have made it harder for some communities to access these opportunities.
Our mission is to break down these barriers and create real, inclusive pathways for every entrepreneur, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups. By working with partners with similar goals, amplifying diverse voices, and offering resources designed to meet real needs, we continue to build our small business hub where businesses from all backgrounds can grow and thrive.
