Start Garden

Start Garden Opportunity Starts Here. Bringing together financial, intellectual and social capital to entrepreneurs to empower West Michigan's startup ecosystem.

Midweek check-in: What’s one thing you’re proud of accomplishing so far this week?Big win, small win, or simply somethin...
09/02/2026

Midweek check-in: What’s one thing you’re proud of accomplishing so far this week?

Big win, small win, or simply something you finally crossed off the list. Let’s hear it.

It’s the end of the week. What’s one win you’re taking with you into Friday?Big or small, progress is progress. Share yo...
08/28/2026

It’s the end of the week. What’s one win you’re taking with you into Friday?

Big or small, progress is progress. Share yours below.

Alumni Spotlight: WIMEEWIMEE began as an idea from Start Garden alum Michael Hyacinthe, and it has become something incr...
08/27/2026

Alumni Spotlight: WIMEE

WIMEE began as an idea from Start Garden alum Michael Hyacinthe, and it has become something incredible.

It's grown into a powerhouse brand that is taking over children's media and education, spanning PBS TV, books, YouTube, classrooms, live shows and more—with even bigger initiatives currently in the works.

Here's where we need you: WIMEE is nearing 100,000 YouTube subscribers, and we'd love this community to help reach that goal. Click through for the full story, then subscribe on YouTube to help WIMEE hit the milestone.

https://www.youtube.com/

Building a business is one thing. Building one that lasts takes the right tools.This September, GROW and Comerica Bank a...
08/25/2026

Building a business is one thing. Building one that lasts takes the right tools.

This September, GROW and Comerica Bank are teaming up for a four-part Money $ense webinar series designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen the way they operate and prepare for growth.

Throughout the series, we'll dive into:

• Planning for a Healthy Business
• Insurance Choices for Business
• Risk Management for Business
• Time Management for Business

Whether you're launching something new or already running a growing business, these conversations are designed to give you practical knowledge you can put to work.

Join GROW + Comerica Bank this September and invest some time into building a stronger business.

Learn more and register through this link.

https://bit.ly/469FuV7

Hart, we’re coming your way!Tomorrow, five founders will take the stage at Birch & Blossom to share their ideas, tell th...
08/24/2026

Hart, we’re coming your way!

Tomorrow, five founders will take the stage at Birch & Blossom to share their ideas, tell their stories, and compete at 5x5 Night.

Meet this month’s finalists:

• Bougie Breakfast Jam
• Green Isaac’s Coffee & Tea
• LaunchReady Marine
• Wild Moon Yoga and Therapeutics
• Hound and Heeler Treat Co.

Come cheer on the founders, connect with entrepreneurs and community members, and experience the energy of 5x5 Night for yourself.

August 25
5PM
Birch & Blossom | 112 E Main St, Hart, MI

Let’s fill the room and show these founders some love. See you in Hart!

08/20/2026

Ideas can become powerful tools for change.

For our latest Alumni Spotlight, we’re highlighting Arabia Simeon, founder of POGO (Politics on the Go) —a civic engagement platform helping people better understand their ballot, explore candidates, and make more informed decisions.

From her time within the Start Garden community to continuing to grow POGO and its impact, Arabia’s journey is a reminder of what can happen when founders stay committed to solving problems they care deeply about.

Hear Arabia share her story, the vision behind POGO, and what she’s building next.

It's Tuesday. What's one goal you're committing to before the week is over?Drop it in the comments. You never know who m...
08/18/2026

It's Tuesday. What's one goal you're committing to before the week is over?

Drop it in the comments. You never know who might have a connection, resource, or piece of advice to help you get there.

08/17/2026

July showed us what 5x5 Night is all about: bold ideas, founders willing to take the stage, and a community ready to support them.

Here’s a look back at some of the energy from our July event.
Next stop: Hart, Michigan.

Join us as 5x5 Night heads to Birch & Blossom on August 25th. Come hear new ideas, meet fellow entrepreneurs, make connections, and support the founders stepping up to pitch.

August 25th at 5PM

Birch & Blossom | 112 E Main St, Hart, MI

Submissions close tonight, August 17th at 11:59PM

Bring your curiosity. Bring your network. We’ll see you in Hart.

A look back at The 100 Bootcamp.Entrepreneurs came ready to learn, connect, ask questions, and put in the work to move t...
08/11/2026

A look back at The 100 Bootcamp.

Entrepreneurs came ready to learn, connect, ask questions, and put in the work to move their ideas and businesses forward.

The journey doesn’t stop with a great idea. It’s about refining it, challenging it, and surrounding yourself with the people and resources that can help it grow.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and made the most of the day.

The road to Demo Day continues.

Last night we kicked off our semi-finalist bootcamp for The 100.A room full of bright ideas and even brighter people all...
08/08/2026

Last night we kicked off our semi-finalist bootcamp for The 100.

A room full of bright ideas and even brighter people all looking to take their business to the next level.

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2 Fulton Street West
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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