What’s happening: The Traverse City-based tech hub and startup incubator 20Fathoms has announced plans to extend its startup coaching services deeper into the small business ecosystem of northwestern Michigan. Recurring one-on-one startup coaching opportunities will be available on a monthly basis at sites in Benzie County, Manistee, and Traverse City.
What it is: The one-on-one startup coaching program offers entrepreneurs a chance to connect with mentors on a variety of topics, including business planning, funding strategies, and more. The service is free and open to the public, made available by grant funding secured by 20Fathoms. The business incubator has also announced plans to launch startup bootcamps in each of the three communities.
Who’s behind it: Partnerships between 20Fathoms and Grow Benzie and the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce have made the program possible in Benzie County and Manistee, respectively.
How to engage: The coaching sessions are available on a drop-in basis and no appointment is necessary. Sessions are scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at
Grow Benzie; from 9 to 11 a.m. on the third Wednesday each month at the
Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce; and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at
20Fathoms in Traverse City.
Why it’s important: “When entrepreneurs meet with us, they can expect honest feedback and suggestions for steps to help meet their next milestone whether that is establishing priorities, finding the right customers, or troubleshooting their biggest challenges of today,” says David Kronberg, Director of Regional Ecosystem at 20Fathoms. “But most importantly, they get not only expertise, but a supportive, listening ear and a lot of encouragement, because we know business ownership can be really tough.”
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