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More capital. More partners. More ways to get funded.

The 100 is open.

We Help Entrepreneurs Find Success

Welcome to Start Garden—a community of support to help you achieve success. We understand that entrepreneurs need a space where they can build their own community of supportive and like-minded people. Start Garden helps make that more accessible through its pitch competitions and coworking space located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

Network with other entrepreneurs
Gain access to entrepreneurial resources
Have a dedicated space to ideate, work and grow
Try your hand at a new venture—no strings attached

The 100

Not everybody is an entrepreneur, but everybody should get a shot at becoming one. Start Garden created The 100 to open the door for the entire community—and in 2026, that door is wider than ever. For the first time, a coalition of Capital Partners joins Start Garden, offering grants, loans, shared revenue agreements, venture investment and first-customer contracts to businesses at every stage. Whatever you’re building, there’s a path for you.

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5×5 Night

5×5 Night is Michigan’s most open pitch competition. Anyone can submit a business idea to be voted on by the public. Our top 5 presenters will then get 5 minutes to pitch 5 slides to 5 guest judges for the chance to win a $5,000 grant. More valuable than the cash, 5×5 Night gives entrepreneurs a platform to move their business ideas forward and be part of a valuable network of like-minded people who can help them grow.

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Find Your Fit

Start Garden was built to be your support system in helping you achieve success. No matter where you are on your journey—whether you’re an entrepreneur, in the early stages of your startup or simply have a great business idea you want to test out—we provide a strong community to help you get your idea off the ground or move your business to the next level.