Opportunity Starts Here

We all win when anyone who wants to start a business in our community has the opportunity and a platform to be successful.

Start your journey

Welcome to
the Ecosystem

a community of support to help you achieve success.

I have a business idea

How can Start Garden help me?

Access to very early, no strings attached capital
Connections into the entrepreneur community and those who support it
Tap into our network we’ve built from decades doing startup in Michigan
Talk to our team that’s met with thousands of entrepreneurs

What resources are available to me in our community?

Bootcamps and classes to take your idea and plan it as a business
Help with prototyping and productizing new ideas
Advise you to avoid typical pitfalls of getting started
Find funds that allow you to experiment without breaking your bank account

See more resources >

I am a startup

How can Start Garden help me?

Join our startup community at 40 Pearl
Connect to Michigan investors
Connect with the entrepreneur community and those who support it
Tap into our network we’ve built from decades of doing startup in West Michigan
Work with our team on identifying your next steps
Build your knowledge and relationships through our events

What resources are available to me in our community?

Find accelerators for different startups
Connect to specialized expertise around legal, accounting, intellectual property, technology development and manufacturing
Connect to angel investor groups
Explore various incentives to recruit and retain businesses

See more resources >

I’m a member of the business community

How can Start Garden help me?

Connect with the next generation of business leaders
Roll up your sleeves on helping new businesses get off the ground
Help close the inequality gap for entrepreneurs
Find startups that may fit your expertise

What resources are available to me in our community?

Plug into places where new entrepreneurs are emerging to launch new business ideas.
Advise or mentor through various programs
Check out various startup competitions in the region

See more resources >

The 100

Not everybody is an entrepreneur, but everybody should get to take a shot at becoming one. Start Garden created The 100 with a consortium of banks as a no-strings-attached way to fund business ideas by opening the gate for the entire community, knowing that for some, it can be life-changing.

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5×5 Night

Originally launched in 2011, 5×5 Night is Michigan’s most open pitch competition in which 5 presenters get 5 minutes to pitch 5 slides to 5 guest judges for the chance to win a $5,000 grant. More valuable than the cash, 5×5 Night gives entrepreneurs a platform to move their business ideas forward by presenting them to the public. For more information, visit… Submit ideas to 5x5night.com.

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