ABOUT EMERGE

We are the Hub of West Michigan for Innovation. All are welcomed into this inclusive culture that stimulates creativity and fosters collaborations. We provide business support and the resources you need to succeed.

Our story

Our story

Established in 2020 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Emerge is a dynamic network of entrepreneurial hubs supporting business growth across West Michigan. Built on collaboration with local entrepreneurs, organizations, and businesses, we provide the resources and expertise needed to drive innovation and success.

Our mission is to empower and equip small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout West Michigan with the tools, coaching, and connections needed to scale, create jobs, and build strong business relationships that fuel sustainable economic development in their communities.

From underdeveloped startups and established businesses, we provide a supportive ecosystem where dreams merge seamlessly with reality, mentors and technology. Our suite of offerings, which includes monthly hangouts, pitch competitions, and weekend start-up camps, reflects our community-driven ethos that has garnered nationwide recognition.

Today, Emerge stands at the crossroads where businesses of all magnitudes and phases intersect.

We are a beacon of service, connection, and unwavering commitment. Steeped in grassroots growth cadence and a shared passion for progress, we champion every member of our expansive business community.

Join our movement, and immerse in a space where dreams, safety, technology, and success coalesce.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

OUR MISSION & VALUES

Emerge exists to empower and equip underresourced and small-town businesses in Michigan with the tools, coaching, and resources needed to help them scale, create new jobs, and build new relationships that drive sustainable economic development and renewal within their communities.

Innovation

It takes thinking outside the box to disrupt the status quo. We welcome new and fresh ideas in any form.

Entrepreneurial Excellence

We must equip entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources to build sustainable, thriving businesses. Success isn’t just an outcome; it’s a process we cultivate every step of the way.

Integrity

Trust and accountability are the foundation of great businesses. We lead with honesty, transparency and a committment to ethical business practices that build long term success

Collaboration

We believe it takes a village to raise an entrepreneur. Emerge is always looking to partner with any individual, group or organization wanting to invest in our ecosystem.

Economic Empowerment

Entrepreneurs are the bedrock to economic changes, and we empower every entrepreneur to not only become a business owner but a community leader that has the tools to create lasting economic impact, one business at a time.

Meet the Team


  • President and CEO

    Andrew Robinson is the President/CEO of Mosaic CCDA, a 501c3 organization focused on the revitalization of Benton Harbor, Michigan through workforce development solutions.  In this capacity, Andrew provides visionary leadership to Mosaic’s various social enterprises and programs, including the Transformational Center, an initiative focused on galvanizing businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and municipalities to create pathways of success for community residents. Also, he is the President/CEO of an entrepreneurial support organization (The Emerge Innovation Hub), in partnership with Whirlpool Corporation and other businesses and organizations, to foster the growth of BIPOC small businesses/enterprises in Southwest Michigan. He serves as the board president for Jubilee Impact Fund, Inc. and an adjunct faculty member of Cornerstone University and Moody Bible Institute. He is completing his doctoral degree in organizational leadership and development from Cornerstone University.


  • Executive Director

    Ambie Bell serves as the Executive Director for Emerge Innovation Hub. She is the founder of Sustainable Solutions & Company®, a marketing firm that specializes in strategically developing the upskill of entrepreneurs. Through her network Ambie and her partners equip clients with real-time solutions to protect and grow their businesses on the front end. Additionally, she consults entrepreneurs across the field on best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion to effectively serve its customer base and continue to help advance financial security for underserved communities. She sits on various executive boards throughout Southwest Michigan and serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Benton Harbor. She enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and spaces.

Emerge Board Members

Senior Director, Global Legal Operations and Asst. Corporate Secretary, Whirlpool Corporation

Secretary

Scott Dorfman

Vice chair

Vice President of OEM Partnerships, e-Emphasys Technologies

Lewis Scott

AVP and Treasurer

Community Reinvestment Officer, Horizon Bank

Alexis Harris

Jeff Wright

President/CEO, Urban Ministries, Inc.

Alexandre Czesnat

Vice President, Refrigeration, Whirlpool Corporation

Andrew Robinson

Ex Officio Member

Phill Swanson

Expert in Residence, Centrepolis Accelerator

Matias Soto Castillo

Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Andrews University