GRAND RAPIDS — Start Garden, West Michigan’s premier business incubator, announced a strategic partnership with Grow to amplify the impact of its annual 100 competition, which is accepting applications now.
Under this collaboration, Grow matches each $20,000 grant awarded to Demo Day winners with a $20,000 loan— driving capital awards to $40,000 per winner, $500,000 total.
“Yes, every entrepreneur entering the competition has their eyes on $40,000,” said Paul Moore, Co-Director of Start Garden. “But teaming with Grow is about much more. They understand the unique needs of entrepreneurs and recognize that accessing a microloan should be swift and transparent. Grow has redefined themselves as a microlending powerhouse.”
Grow, a Community Development Financial Institution headquartered in Grand Rapids 49507 neighborhood, has emerged as the region’s go-to micro-lender under the leadership of CEO Milinda Ysasi and President Kelli Smith. Last month, the U.S. Small Business Administration honored Grow with the 2025 SBA Micro-Lender of the Year Award (Michigan) in recognition of its outstanding service and innovation in small-business lending.
Both Start Garden and Grow expect this partnership to extend beyond the SG 100 program. “Grow shares our values of earning trust in the community,” said Laurie Supinski, Co-Director of Start Garden. “They engage entrepreneurs well before they might be ready to take on a loan and stay with them. Like Start Garden, Grow values long-term relationships that go well beyond Demo Day.”
Key Partnership Highlights
- $20K Grant + $20K Loan: Each Demo Day winner receives a $20,000 Start Garden grant, matched by a $20,000 Grow loan, effectively doubling available capital per venture to $40,000.
- Up to $50,000 in Follow-On Funding: Grow’s accessible and responsible loan products allow successful founders to access a total of $50,000 in additional financing for growth and working capital.
- Capital Readiness Support: Joint workshops and one-on-one coaching led by Grow prepare finalists to present strong loan applications and financial projections.
Applications for the 100 are as simple as uploading a 100 second video of a business idea and are open until July 8, 2025. Demo Day 2025 takes place on Wednesday, September 17, at Calder Plaza, showcasing 100 innovative ventures before a live panel of judges, community leaders, and investors. Finalists will benefit from two months of workshops and networking events leading up to the big night.
