Young Professionals Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Start Garden

A behind-the-scenes look at 

Start Garden empowers the West Michigan startup ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with financial, intellectual, and social capital. 

Start Garden’s Operations Manager, Austin Dean, will discuss the ideas behind Start Garden’s inception and how they have morphed into what they are today.  You’ll have a chance to experience downtown’s “startup neighborhood” and hear from startups that have benefited from Start Garden’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Panelists:

Laura Vaughn | Blackbird | Founder

Jim Doan | OXX | CEO & Founder

Jermale Eddie | Malamiah Juice Bar | Co-Owner & Operator    

Moderator:

Austin Dean | Collective Metrics| Co-Founder 

What you can expect to be covered

1) Should your organization be attempting to work with startups or is it a waste of time?

2) What are startups looking for out of the M&A community, and where is the value add?

3) Where mutual interests align between the communities?

4) Listen to startup founders talk about their ideal "end game". Acquisition verse. stable long-term employment

5) Does it "pay" to get in early with these companies?

After the presentation at Start Garden we will be heading down the street to Flannagan’s for continued networking.