Founders Fireside Chat

From startup to scaling,  join us for leadership lessons from West Michigan visionaries .

Taking the leap to hang out your own shingle is not for the faint of heart. Scaling from start up to expanding and beyond is even tougher. Developing a business beyond the startup phase requires resilience, discipline, and extraordinary leadership. Nearly half of small businesses never make it to their second stage of growth, but some do.

As part of Small Biz Week West Michigan and in partnership with the Grand Rapids Chamber, this special Founders Fireside Chat will spotlight and celebrate West Michigan entrepreneurs who have beaten the odds – growing from startup to sustainable, second- and third-stage companies that fuel our regional economy. These small business scalers had the courage to go it alone and buck the staggering stats to evolve. They have created jobs, strengthened local supply chains, reinvested in our communities, and proven that small businesses are the backbone of West Michigan’s economic vitality.

Join us for an honest, candid conversation about:

• The hardest leadership lessons they’ve learned
• The mistakes that shaped them
• The moments they nearly gave up
• What it really takes to scale
• How they define success beyond revenue

Expect real stories. Practical wisdom. A few laughs. Possibly a few tears. And a renewed appreciation for the grit, ingenuity, and economic contributions of the founders who keep our region thriving.

Come to learn. Come to connect. Come to celebrate the builders among us.

FREE for Bamboo members, Cooper People Group clients, and Family Business Alliance members! Reach out to your team for the promo code.

Thank you to our Premium Sponsor, Bamboo Grand Rapids!