Start Garden History
In this year, Start Garden was founded by Rick DeVos to revolutionize venture capital in Grand Rapids.
What is 2012?
This term refers to a preliminary version of a product used to test a concept with early users.
What is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?
This startup, supported by Start Garden, provides innovative air quality monitoring solutions and has seen significant growth.
What is JustAir?
Start Garden provides this type of space where entrepreneurs can work, collaborate, and access resources.
What is a Co-working Space?
This annual event in Grand Rapids celebrates art and attracts innovators, aligning with Start Garden's support for creativity.
What is ArtPrize?
In 2018, Start Garden underwent a significant mission change and adopted this type of leadership model to better serve diverse entrepreneurs.
What is the co-leadership model?
An approach where startups focus on customer feedback and iterative design to develop products.
What is Agile Development?
Founded by Andrea Wallace, this company connects artists with venues to create pop-up experiences.
What is Opnr?
This monthly event allows entrepreneurs to pitch ideas for a chance to win $5,000, fostering innovation and community feedback.
What is 5x5 Night?
Grand Rapids is part of this state, known for its manufacturing and growing tech industry.
What is Michigan?
This program, launched in 2018, invests in 100 startups annually, providing initial funding and opportunities for additional investment.
What is The Start Garden 100?
This financial document outlines a company's revenue and expenses over a period of time.
What is an Income Statement?
This children's educational platform, created by Michael Hyacinthe, uses a character named Wimmee to inspire creativity.
What is Wimmee's Words?
Start Garden's program focused on addressing racial equity in entrepreneurship by connecting founders of color with resources and networks.
What is the Accelerate Equity program?
This local university partners with Start Garden to foster student entrepreneurship and innovation.
What is Grand Valley State University?
Start Garden moved to its current location at 40 Pearl Street in this year, creating a central hub for entrepreneurs.
What is 2015?
A business model where revenue is generated from regular, recurring payments from customers.
What is a Subscription Model?
This craft brewery, started by Terry Rostic with support from Start Garden, is named after a famous Grand Rapids sculpture.
What is Black Calder Brewing?
Our commitment to this involves sharing our networks so entrepreneurs can expand their connections and opportunities.
What is Network Expansion?
An organization that collaborates with Start Garden to support minority-owned businesses and economic development in the region.
What is the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
The co-leadership model introduced in 2018 included these two leaders who brought diverse perspectives to Start Garden's mission
Who are Jorge Gonzalez and Darel Ross?
This term describes a collaborative workspace where entrepreneurs can access shared resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities—a key offering of Start Garden.
What is a Business Incubator?
Founded by Kimberly Slaikeu, this company offers luxury, eco-friendly candles and home goods, scaling rapidly with Start Garden's support.
What is Luxe Artisan Presereves?
This strategic initiative was implemented to ensure that leadership opportunities at Start Garden are equitable and inclusive, starting in 2018.
What is the Co-leadership Model promoting diversity and inclusion?