Social Benefits
Two minds are better than one
An entrepreneur’s world can get pretty isolated, and it can be challenging to find other like-minded people to act as a sounding board or simply to bounce a quick idea off. Start Garden is brimming with minds that think much like yours, all at various stages on the journey to success. Whether you’re looking for a colleague to share challenges in a coworking space, or to meet someone at a networking event, the options are almost limitless.
Networking
Our robust networks offer many opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs as well as business leaders for advice or an expert ear to run your idea by. Below are virtual programs that have run regularly since April 2020.
- The Juice
Start Garden Program Director Lori Supinski chats with special guests in an interactive online panel discussion biweekly on Thursdays covering topics of interest faced by entrepreneurs in today’s ever-changing world of enterprise. We encourage panelists and viewers to talk through roadblocks they’re currently facing in their business and problem-solve together. - Whiskey & Whine
Join your Start Garden hosts and Directors Paul Moore and Darel Ross along with Murphy Ackerman and Erica Hooser for a happy hour of Entrepreneur therapy. Grab a drink and join the conversation virtually.. - Emprendedorx
For Spanish speaking entrepreneurs and opportunity seekers. A regualr virtual program for West Michigan’s hispanic entrepreneur community. - 5×5 Night – Virtual
Our monthly pitch competition is where many of the region’s entrepreneur’s got their start. Check out who is pitching each month and reach out to the presenters to help them get their ideas off the ground.
Advice & Coaching Opportunities
A sounding board is a valuable resource for any entrepreneur navigating the murky waters of starting a business. We can help you find the right advisor for your unique situation.
- Meet with the Start Garden team
- Get to know our network
- Find trusted professionals to work with you
Coworking Space
Our co-working space at 40 Pearl St. provides an affordable space to work that makes finding new opportunities more accessible. Complete with a variety of convenient amenities, you’ll feel right at home while making new connections in your office space. Some members qualify for a membership subsidy from the Grand Rapids SmartZone. Find out if you qualify.
- 12 reservable, socially distanced conference spaces, accommodating groups from 2 to 7
- 5 phone booths for individual video conferencing and phone calls
- Safety protocols for COVID 19
- Complimentary coffee Service by Ferris Coffee and Rowster
- Complimentary beer fridge sponsored by New Holland Brewing Co., cider sponsored by Farmhaus Cider, wine sponsored by Fenn Valley Winery
- Printer access
- Robust wifi
- Dedicated mailbox
- Reservable lockers
- Access to the Startup Space App, our virtual entrepreneur community
Check out our space at 40 Pearl
Book a tour today.
STARTUP SPACE
FREE