Community
Our Sponsors & Partners
We have a strong network of community participants for our meetings, and we are always looking to add more! The following organizations have pledged their commitment and support for the Emerge Innovation Hub.
Partners who have gone above and beyond in supporting Emerge and the Southwest Michigan entrepreneurship community. They are champions in the belief that diverse and under-resourced communities should be encouraged and supported; that collaboration equals opportunity for everyone; and connection equals success.
Our Mentor Program
Michael Medema is the Emerge Innovation Hub Entrepreneur in Residence. He’s a 9x serial entrepreneur and a local Southwest Michigan resident. Michael is known throughout the country as a leading digital marketing expert. Michael and his companies have won numerous national awards in the area of innovation, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, company cultures, and building rapidly growing companies. Michael has mentored thousands of start-ups and small businesses and in his spare time also teaches entrepreneurship classes at two universities.
Michael Medema
Entrepreneur in Residence
Our Impact
Emerge Hangouts have supported over 50 diverse and under-resourced entrepreneurs since 2020.
The Emerge Pitch Night event was a huge success with 36 business owners pitching their business ideas to local community leaders. 6 won the event in 2022 and earned $15,000 which will be used to expand her business. Show pics here from the event.
The Emerge weekend camp has supported over 50 diverse and under-resourced future entrepreneurs since 2020.
