Prior to the class’s second meeting with the Kalamazoo startup community on Friday,  January 30th, the class revised a framework that was created before the trips to Boulder, CO and Austin, TX. The framework was intended to define and describe the elements that drive a successful startup community. The revision process was a great opportunity for my […]

About two months ago we first met with our local Kalamazoo community to get a better understanding of what is going on in the Kalamazoo startup scene. Back then, we had little knowledge of entrepreneurship  and startup communities but we were all eager and excited for the opportunity to go visit and meet with entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalists, […]

On Friday, March 27th, my classmates went to Starting Gate to present our framework for factors that affect the vibrancy of startup communities.  This meeting was with 30 members of the Kalamazoo community, including the mayor of Kalamazoo, Bobby Hopewell.  My classmates explained what we have found in our travels to Austin and Boulder that […]

After the spring break trip (to Boulder and Austin), I find myself back in normal life, with responsibilities, due dates, routine… I also find myself still reflecting on what I lived and learned during the trips. Talking to people and seeing them work in their own environment was a great experience that takes learning to a whole […]