Start Garden

The government is the largest customer on earth, and it buys what you already sell.

Join for “Scaling Your Business Through Government Contracting” — a fast, practical session on using government contracts to grow your business. You’ll leave knowing what the government actually buys, how to find buyers right here in West Michigan, and how to turn your current work into the past performance that wins your next contract.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Start Garden, 2 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

What you’ll walk away with:

A read on federal, state, and local markets by sales cycle and compliance burden

The procurement portals serving West Michigan, and how to register for them

The NAICS codes for your business and where to find past awards in your lane

What past performance is and how to start building it

A written 90-day action plan

Who should attend: Founders and small business owners ready to scale. No contracting experience needed.

Register here!

https://forms.gle/4ztibwZoHWMdgou26

Start Garden and it’s capital partners have made The 100 more than a grand competition. For the first time, we’re offering a full capital stack - grants, loans, shares earning agreements, venture capital and Meijer retail contracts - built to meet your business exactly where it is.

Applications close July 12th at 11:59pm.

Submit your 100-second video pitch and show us what you’re building.

Centrepolis Accelerator
Grow - Elevating Entrepreneurs
Union Heritage Ventures
Meijer
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
pncbank