Empowering Entrepreneurs, Elevating Southwest Michigan
The South Haven Regional Business Hub operates as a connective tissue for the regional economy. We believe that collaboration fuels growth more effectively than competition. By intentionally filling gaps in the entrepreneurial lifecycle, we ensure that resources are not duplicated, but instead amplified through a unified network.
The Power of the Collective: Radical Collaboration in Action
“Our role is to act as a strategic navigator, bridging the space between local government, educational institutions, funding resources, and private industry,” explains Hub Executive Director Elizabeth Bernhard. “Whether it’s connecting a startup to a revolving loan fund or helping a growing business access state-level grants, our success is built on a ‘rising tide’ philosophy.” Bernhard points out the partnerships and successes of the Hub in the community: “We are proud to work alongside the following partners to ensure Southwest Michigan remains a premier destination for innovation.”
We couldn’t do this work without the partners who collaborate, contribute, and believe in our mission. Their support and expertise help turn purpose into impact for entrepreneurs and our broader community.
Strong Hub strategic partnerships exist between the Hub and the following organizations:
- Can-Do Kalamazoo: Collaborative resource-sharing to strengthen the entrepreneur pipeline alongside Startup Zoo, Room 35, Black Wall Street, and Sisters In Business.
- City of South Haven: Foundational municipal support and infrastructure.
- Cornerstone Alliance Entreprenuerial Services: A unified front providing comprehensive support for entrepreneurs with the Business Plan Certified program.
- Emerge Innovation Hub: Partnering to provide specialized support for tech and scalable startups. The Hub’s Board Chair, Debi Howe, actively participates as a member of the Emerge advisory board, ensuring strategic alignment and direct input into supporting emerging businesses.
- Market One: Facilitating access to vital capital through regional loan funds and other small business resources.
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation & Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity: State-level financial backing and workforce development resources.
- Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Strategic partnership provides clients with enhanced business counseling and specialized growth resources.
- Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD): Coordination supports the regional food system and agricultural entrepreneurs through regulatory and development guidance.
- South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber: The Hub actively engages in ongoing discussions with area Chambers regarding shared resources, collaborating to optimize support, leverage regional strengths, and avoid duplication of efforts across SW Michigan.
- South Haven Area Community Foundation: Crucial grant funding for program expansion.
- Southwest Michigan Apex Accelerator: Collaborative engagement ensures local businesses can access government contracting opportunities and procurement technical assistance.
- Southwest Michigan First: Driving high-level regional economic development and collaboration among Entrepreneurial Service Organizations with its Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Hub Founder Connect.
- Visit South Haven: Collaboration leverages tourism data and destination marketing to drive customer traffic to regional small businesses.
Learn more about the South Haven Regional Business Hub’s free resources and small business support services and get involved today for free.