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Vicksburg/Schoolcraft Business Community Townhall
2025-10-07 08:30 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Hills Development, 108 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI, 49097, United States
Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber for the upcoming Vicksburg/Schoolcraft Business Community Townhall!
This is your chance to connect with local city and community leaders, share your insights, and explore opportunities that shape the future of the Vicksburg/Schoolcraft area. Together, let’s spark collaboration and work toward meaningful progress for our community.
Bring your ideas, your challenges, and your neighbors—we’ll supply the refreshments and an open, welcoming platform for discussion.
We look forward to seeing you there!
About the Southwest Michigan First Chamber
The Southwest Michigan First Chamber is dedicated to fostering the connection, development, collaboration, and growth of the small business community and its leaders throughout greater Kalamazoo County. The Chamber supports the mission of Southwest Michigan First not only in its support of the creation of well-paying jobs, but also through the strengthening of our existing small business community. A strong small business presence is a proven key attractor for new businesses and a reason why families, existing companies, and their employees want to stay here.
Special thanks to Sneller Snow & Grounds for sponsoring this series.

Southwest Michigan First Chamber - Monday Midday Mixer
2025-10-06 11:45 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | HopCat Kalamazoo, 300 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.
We’re thrilled to announce a new opportunity to grow your business network while enjoying a delicious lunch—introducing our Monday Midday Mixer series sponsored by John Grace Restoration and Construction!
This lunchtime connect is specifically designed to help you expand your network and enhance your business development efforts with a unique round-robin format to ensure you meet new folks.
Event Details:

Date: Monday, October 6
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM (sharp, so you can get back to your workday)
Location: HopCat Kalamazoo

Bonus: Discounted meals for Chamber members and their teams!

If early mornings and evenings don’t fit your schedule, join us every month for the Monday Midday Mixer. Grab lunch, make meaningful connections, and get back to your day inspired and motivated.
RSVP now to secure your spot and join us for this exciting new initiative.
Interested in amplifying your company’s message and visibility? Sponsor an individual Monday Midday Mixer or the entire series! Reach out to us at chamber@southwestmichiganfirst.com for more information.

My Sisters Keeper: Gala & Awards
2025-10-04 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI, 49002, United States
Honoring Legacy. Elevating Her Future.
A Night to Celebrate, Empower, and Invest
Join us for the first-ever Sisters In Business; My Sisters Keeper Fundraising Gala & Awards—an evening of celebration, community, and empowerment in support of Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.
Enjoy a full-course dinner, inspiring awards ceremony, and dancing with the one and only DJ Chuck setting the vibe. This elegant evening is more than an event—it’s a movement to invest in the vision, passion, and resilience of women in business.
Why We Gala
The Sisters In Business Fund was created out of a powerful need: to ensure that Black women have access to the funding, resources, and sustainable support necessary to grow their businesses and thrive as leaders.
Your ticket purchase and donation directly support:
Microgrants for women entrepreneurs
Emergency relief for business setbacks
Opportunities for leadership and expansion, youth scholarships
Community-rooted programs that affirm, educate, and uplift
Ongoing development of Sisters In Business programs and events
This gala is more than a celebration—it’s about honoring the work, acknowledging the leaders, and investing in a future where women of color thrive!

My Sisters Keeper: The Inaugural Gala & Awards
2025-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Air Zoo – Aerospace & Science Center, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI, 49002, United States

Porktoberfest
2025-10-04 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | The Martins, 31910 22nd Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
Join Kzoom for a casual fall get-together! Enjoy an expertly roasted pig with delicious side dishes at this family friendly celebration. Feel free to bring family, friends, and coworkers for an evening at the Martin homestead.We want to take this time to celebrate our clients, share a meal with our friends & acquaintances, and curate a moment for community.

Bonfire, Petting Zoo & Networking: 5:00 PM
Dinner is served: 5:30 PM
Client Appreciation Gifts: 6:00 PM

Sisters In Business Fundraising Gala
2025-10-04 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI, 49002, United States
Join us on October 4, 2025, at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo for the inaugural Sisters In Business Fundraising Gala! This special evening supports the Sisters In Business Fund, providing funding and business development for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more details—coming soon!

MIX Design Day 2025
2025-10-02 09:00 - 17:30 (America/Halifax) | Catalyst Center, 180 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Cornerstone of Design: Where Creativity Meets Connection
Get ready for a lively day of hands-on sessions and big ideas that dig into what truly shapes great design. Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, you will explore how failure sparks innovation, uncover the hidden forces behind teamwork, define what success really looks like, and discover the power of design leadership. This is more than a conference. It is a collaborative experience designed to inspire, challenge, and connect creative minds across all levels.
This event is curated by design professionals for creatives and design-centric thinkers.
Session Topics
Fail Forward: Designing Through Setbacks: Explore the value of failure as a powerful teacher in the design process. Through real stories and honest insights, learn how missteps reveal missing building blocks and open the door to deeper growth and stronger outcomes.
Core Constructs: Uncover the essential elements that quietly support every successful design. Through hands-on exploration and group insight, reveal the often-overlooked forces that shape strong creative outcomes.
Success, By Design: What makes a design truly successful? Is it innovation, measurable impact, industry accolades, or the clarity of solving the right problem? In this session, learn how aligning on a definition of success from the outset can sharpen your process, guide better decisions, and shape the story your work tells.
Guiding the Creative Current: Leadership by Design: Great design begins with great leadership. Leaders inspire vision, nurture talent, and ignite collaboration. This session celebrates the vital role design leaders play in shaping not just projects, but the culture that empowers teams to innovate boldly and create with purpose.
Agenda
Registration opens at 8:15 am. Program begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm.
The day wraps up with MIX Networking Reception from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
Join us and be part of the foundation for the future of design. Register today to enhance your creative journey.

REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
Early bird registration through September 25 – $100
Student Tickets – $50

Cornerstone of Design: Where Creativity Meets Connection
2025-10-02 09:00 - 17:30 (America/Halifax) | Catalyst Center, 180 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Get ready for a lively day of hands-on sessions and big ideas that dig into what truly shapes great design. Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, you will explore how failure sparks innovation, uncover the hidden forces behind teamwork, define what success really looks like, and discover the power of design leadership. This is more than a conference. It is a collaborative experience designed to inspire, challenge, and connect creative minds across all levels.
This event is curated by design professionals for creatives and design-centric thinkers.
Session Topics
Fail Forward: Designing Through Setbacks: Explore the value of failure as a powerful teacher in the design process. Through real stories and honest insights, learn how missteps reveal missing building blocks and open the door to deeper growth and stronger outcomes.
Core Constructs: Uncover the essential elements that quietly support every successful design. Through hands-on exploration and group insight, reveal the often-overlooked forces that shape strong creative outcomes.
Success, By Design: What makes a design truly successful? Is it innovation, measurable impact, industry accolades, or the clarity of solving the right problem? In this session, learn how aligning on a definition of success from the outset can sharpen your process, guide better decisions, and shape the story your work tells.
Guiding the Creative Current: Leadership by Design: Great design begins with great leadership. Leaders inspire vision, nurture talent, and ignite collaboration. This session celebrates the vital role design leaders play in shaping not just projects, but the culture that empowers teams to innovate boldly and create with purpose.
Agenda
Registration opens at 8:15 am. Program begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm.
The day wraps up with MIX Networking Reception from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
Join us and be part of the foundation for the future of design. Register today to enhance your creative journey.

REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Rising Tides Kzoo
2025-10-02 08:45 - 22:15, 2025-09-25 08:45 - 22:15, 2025-09-18 08:45 - 22:15 (America/Halifax) | 24208 Front Street Suite A, 24208 Front Street Suite A, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
The goal of our meetings is to build lasting friendships, see how we can help each other, and refer business to one another.

Community Night of Networking
2025-09-30 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Louie’s Corner Bar, 7177 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
RBI is hosting a night of networking! All are welcome, so come see what RBI is all about and meet new people in the business community!

Relationship Builders International's 501 Event
2025-09-30 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Louie’s Texas Corners, 7177 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
This evening event will be open to people outside our group in hopes to create new connections and potentially welcome new RBI members. Food and drinks will be provided.

Kalamazoo Event Center Groundbreaking Community Celebration
2025-09-26 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Event Center, 100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 490007, United States
Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5–7 PM Water Street & Kalamazoo Mall
Be part of a big moment for downtown Kalamazoo! We’re breaking ground on the new Kalamazoo Event Center with a free community block party.
Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, mascots, fan activities, arena sneak peeks, and special appearances from WMU student-athletes, coaches, and the Kalamazoo Wings.
Come celebrate the future of sports, entertainment, and community in Kalamazoo!
Learn more here: https://www.kalamazooeventcenter.com/…/kalamazoo-event…

Pints & People - LINK x 269 fest
2025-09-25 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Haymarket Plaza, 139 N Edwards St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
We’re bringing Kalamazoo’s future together by connecting young professionals to the heart of the community. Whether it’s networking with like-minded peers, discovering new opportunities, or volunteering to make a difference, we exist to link you to the big things that are happening in our small town. Our events are where connections spark—linking young professionals across industries and backgrounds through laid-back vibes and meaningful conversations. From new friendships to unexpected career moves, big things happen when people come together.

Gull Lake Area Business Fall Networking
2025-09-25 16:00 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | Compass & Cleaver, 12454 E D Ave, Richland, MI, 49083, United States
COME , Connect.. with others in the Gull Lake area along with any of our friends , businesses that would like to join us from the surrounding areas!!!! Grab a drink, as Compass and Cleaver , this phenomenal local family restaurant owned by Paul Dykstra over looking beautiful Gull Lake and also meet Holly Oswalt who has started a young professionals group here in Richland!!! Look forward to connecting.. Open House style from 4:00 – 6:30

FREE End of Summer Party: Join us at House Rules September 25!
2025-09-25 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | House Rules Games Lounge, 404 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
We’re back from summer break and ready to reunite! Join us for food, drinks, and a fun night of networking with your industry friends. We’ll be gearing up for the 2025-2026 program year with A/E/C marketing and business development professionals across West Michigan!
You do not need to be a member to attend! ONE FREE SMPS MEMBERSHIP will be raffled off for this upcoming year to non-members. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to kick off the season, network, learn about our committees, and discover the exciting programs coming up with the SMPS West Michigan Chapter.
With over 600 games, the House Rules Board Game Lounge is the perfect atmosphere to hang out and get to know your chapter. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Lakeshore Networking
2025-09-24 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Holland Homestead, 624 Lugers Rd, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow business professionals in the area! Bring your business cards, invite a friend, and expand your network.
A suggested contribution of $5 is appreciated to help cover administration and marketing costs. Simply drop your contribution in the event jar.
RSVP Here: Click to Register

Bonus: Include your business card, and we’ll promote your business on our social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16kKGxbZnW
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollandhomesteadllc

Oddlympics
2025-09-24 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49048, United States
With a wide array of wacky games, the Oddlympics, hosted by Rotary Club of Kalamazoo, is a perfect gathering for company or organization team building and networking with fellow community supporters. Participants will play a series of team-building style games designed for four players each, and each entry includes a beverage and a meal.
All proceeds raised will benefit Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation! Register to participate or become a sponsor at https://oddlympics.com/.

Green Drinks | Community Homeworks
2025-09-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The SugarBowl Bar & Grille, 904 Washington Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Learn how Community Homeworks’ new Tool Library supports safe, sustainable homes and how you can get involved as a member.

Green Drinks | Community Homeworks
2025-09-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The SugarBowl Bar & Grille, 904 Washington Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Since 2009, Community Homeworks has been empowering low-income homeowners in Kalamazoo County by filling critical gaps in post-purchase support. Their mission: empowering our neighbors to maintain safe, stable, and sustainable homes for generations. Community Homeworks will present on their three core programs, with a spotlight on their newest addition: the Tool Library. Attendees will learn about the benefits of a tool library, both economically and environmentally, as well as how you can get involved and sign up as a member.

About Green Drinks Kalamazoo
Green Drinks Kalamazoo is a monthly meetup at a local establishment to highlight and discuss anything within the realm of sustainability. We host a lively mix of folks from non-governmental organizations (NGO), academia, government, and business. Everyone invites someone else along, so there is always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network. Come one, come all! Click here for a full list of upcoming events.

About the Sustainable Business Collaborative Powered by Southwest Michigan First
Sustainability is at the core of good business. The mission of the Sustainable Business Collaborative is to drive social and environmental sustainability actions through collaboration to foster business success in the Southwest Michigan region. We utilize the MI Healthy Climate Plan to help inform our work.

Skilled Trades Expo 2025
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Lacrone Park, 704 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007-2421, United States
We are having our 2025 Skilled Trades Expo on September 20 from 1-4pm at LaCrone Park. This expo will feature hands-on trades stations, industry vendors and family fun. The goal is to introduce more people to job opportunities in the trades and get the community connected with its local contractors and housing services.
Last year, KCDC hosted our very first Skilled Trades Expo and it was a huge success! We are excited to bring it back again this year and we are calling on the community to help us make it even better. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or supporting in any way, we’d love to have you involved. If you’re ready to be a part of this impactful event, please sign up by heading over to: https://www.kcdc.cc/events-1/skilled-trades-expo-2025

Skilled Trades Expo 2025
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Lacrone Park, 704 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007-2421, United States
Hosted by the Kalamazoo Contractors & Developers Connect, this annual event is all about connecting our community with local contractors, developers, and organizations to promote workforce development and celebrate the skilled trades. There will be hands-on activities as well as food, fun and games! Bring your company, bring your family and bring your energy as we kick off the fall season the best way we know how!!
Last year, KCDC hosted our very first Skilled Trades Expo and it was a huge success! We are excited to bring it back again this year and we are calling on the community to help us make it even better. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or supporting in any way, we’d love to have you involved. The goal is to introduce more people to job opportunities in the trades and get the community connected with its local contractors and housing services.
There is no requirement to RSVP for this event – we’ll just see you there!

269FEST - Entrepreneurial Summit
2025-09-19 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us September 19th at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art for the Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit—a day dedicated to sparking innovation, forging connections, and empowering the future of entrepreneurship in our region.
Join us from 1-5 p.m. to fuel the growth of our community and support the next wave of leaders. Keynote speaker, MoviePass founder, and Author of “Black Founder,” Stacy Spikes.
Whether you’re a current founder, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with a passion for growth, this summit is your opportunity to:
🔹 Connect with like-minded individuals🔹 Learn from the founders of Movie Pass, Farmish, Vetr Health, Glid, and more🔹 Discover the latest trends and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit 2025
2025-09-19 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Kalamazoo Institute of Art, 314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us September 19th at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art for the Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit—a day dedicated to sparking innovation, forging connections, and empowering the future of entrepreneurship in our region.
Join us from 1-5 p.m. to fuel the growth of our community and support the next wave of leaders. Keynote speaker, MoviePass founder, and Author of “Black Founder,” Stacy Spikes.
Whether you’re a current founder, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with a passion for growth, this summit is your opportunity to:
🔹 Connect with like-minded individuals🔹 Learn from the founders of Movie Pass, Farmish, Vetr Health, Glid, and more🔹 Discover the latest trends and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southwest-michigan-entrepreneurship-summit-2025-tickets-1564029457209?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite
Startup Zoo: https://startupzoo.org/

Kalamazoo Leadership Breakfast with Michael Wozniak
2025-09-19 07:15 - 09:30 UTC | Kalamazoo Country Club 1609 Whites Rd Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, 1609 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Presented by Christian Business Round Table

Join us for breakfast, meaningful networking, and a dynamic discussion with Business Leadership Coach Michael Wozniak. Registration and hospitality open at 7:15 AM. Tickets available now!

About Michael Wozniak
Michael is a trusted coach to business owners and leaders, helping them unlock leadership potential at every level. His coaching centers on relational intelligence—focusing on communication, culture, alignment, and execution to drive relationships, performance and profit.
He has a rich background that includes working with the NBA during the iconic 1992 Dream Team and launching their business in Japan. He also co-founded KidsGames, which grew into a global movement across 150+ countries, and has owned multiple businesses.
Michael is the author of Employee Drift, a must for leaders who want to engage their teams with purpose, clarity, and trust. He believes that when employees feel truly supported, they don’t just work for you—they work with you. The book reached bestseller status in new releases across multiple categories.
Michael lives in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife of 32 years, Beth.

RSVP: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/leadershipbreakfastevents/event/lbk-6c/

Pitch Night
2025-09-19 06:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Institute of Art, 314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Pitch your project, idea, or business for funding and resources. Five finalists are selected to compete for $10,000 in equity-free capital!
Every other month, on the first Friday, five (5) Southwest Michigan-based businesses will pitch live to three (3) judges for $10,000 equity-free capital, partnership, customers, and free resources to start or grow their idea. Attendees can engage and vote for their favorite pitch, The People’s Favorite walks away with $1,000.
Register to RSVP, bring a friend, vote, and support your local entrepreneurs!

Mattawan Business Association Networking Event
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Vintage Inspired, 52530 N Main St, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
Join the Mattawan Business Association for an evening of networking and connection. Drinks and desserts will be provided. Wine and Country food truck will be set-up for purchases.

Fall Networking Event
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Our Story Dixie Paint Plant Club, 52500 N Main St, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
Join the Mattawan Business Assocation as we kick off the fall season with networking and community connections!
All business owners and representatives are welcome to join for this free event. Wine and Country Catering will be set up with food for purchase. Beverages and desserts will be provided.

Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration
2025-09-18 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Dalton Center, 1300 Theatre Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Join us as we connect, learn, and celebrate the power of small business in Southwest Michigan.
We invite you to be part of something truly special—the inaugural Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration. Join us for this important gathering of business owners and leaders, entrepreneurs, and community champions. The Southwest Michigan First Chamber’s signature celebration event will bring together folks from all sectors, sizes, and backgrounds to strengthen and support our area’s business community, and to celebrate the people and organizations driving impact across our region. Registration is just opening now!
Also, there are a number of opportunities to sponsor. Your support will help us create a unique, high-energy, and high-visibility experience that both honors the spirit of this business community while aligning your brand with growth, impact, and community success.
This afternoon experience will include:

Impactful keynote presentations from State and national business experts and leaders
The presentation and celebration of this year’s Chamber’s Choice Award winners
A chance to connect and engage in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, from opening registration and networking to the closing Happy Hour Awards Celebration to end the day

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chambers-choice-small-business-conference-and-celebration-tickets-1500388174419?aff=oddtdtcreator
Agenda
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Doors Open, Registration Begins, Meet & Greet
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Opening Welcome
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Keynote Presentation #1 – Future-Proof Your CX: How to Thrive in the New Selling Landscape
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM: Keynote Presentation #2 – Announcement Coming Soon!
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM: Refresh and Recharge Break
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Chamber’s Choice Awards
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Awards Celebration Happy Hour

Don’t miss this first of its kind event. And if you’re looking to really take advantage of this event, join us as a featured sponsor by checking out the options here. View the Sponsorship Packet
Sponsors enjoy VIP access, seating, and prominent recognition at the event and beyond.
All sponsorships need to be closed by August 30.
Email eschultz@southwestmichiganfirst.com to learn more.
Seating will be limited. Take advantage of member and early bird pricing through August 18.
We will see you there.
