Jennifer Kopp Owens

Lakeshore Advantage Corp. provides financial services. It provides SURGE connects startups to resources available locally and regionally, including the Holland SmartZone, and is powered by Lakeshore Advantage, the region’s non-profit economic development organization. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Zeeland, MI.

Ann Arbor Spark Business Accelerator (Ann Arbor Spark Business Accelerator) is the venture capital arm of Ann Arbor Spark founded in 2005 by Mike A. Finney. The firm is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michigan Economic Development Corp. provides economic development efforts and policy development and technology development. Its services include business retention and attraction, financial assistance, employee recruitment and training, assistance for providing permits, and site development services. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Lansing, MI.

Founded in 2000, Southwest Michigan First is a privately-funded, non-profit corporation and venture capital investor located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They are a subsidiary of the Southwest Michigan First Corp. and are affiliated with the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund which was formed in 2004.