Can-Do Kalamazoo

12/24/2025

💡 Did you know?

Last year, 136 entrepreneurs took part in a Can-Do Kalamazoo program—each one taking steps toward turning ideas into action.

Donor support makes this possible, and we invite you to consider making a donation today. 👉 https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/

12/22/2025

💬 Hear from our kitchen community:

“I love to provide for other people. Having a commercial kitchen allows me more space to do just that.” - Gretchen Schmidt, owner of Gretchen's Bakery.

Your support helps keep our incubator kitchen affordable and accessible—so Kalamazoo food entrepreneurs can start, grow, and thrive.

💛 Consider giving to our Annual Campaign 👉 https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/

12/19/2025

💡 Did you know?

Our shared kitchen offers below-market rental rates with built-in business support.
In 2024, donations helped cover a $142,000 cost gap—plus additional kitchen scholarships—to keep it affordable for food entrepreneurs here in Kalamazoo.

Your support keeps doors open, costs down, and ideas moving forward. Please consider giving to our Annual Campaign today! 👉 https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/

12/17/2025

📌 Holiday Closure Notice

Just a friendly reminder, the Can-Do Kalamazoo staff offices and the kitchen will be closed Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, January 2, in observance of the holiday season.

12/15/2025

Hear From Our Members 💬🔥

Can-Do Camp is where entrepreneurs gain clarity, build confidence, and connect with a community that understands the journey. 💡🤝

Because of your donations, Camp remains accessible—opening doors, removing barriers, and creating real opportunities for entrepreneurs across our community. ❤️

If you believe in this work, consider supporting Can-Do Kalamazoo this year.
🔗 Give or learn more: https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/

12/10/2025

This is what Can-Do means.

Our entrepreneurs say it best. 📣
Every story we hear—from a first-time founder testing an idea to a seasoned business owner leveling up—reminds us why this work matters.

And your support powers these stories.
☝ Donate or learn more at the link in our bio or here: https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/

12/09/2025

Excited to share that Can-Do Kalamazoo is hosting this month’s Rise & Thrive session on December 16. ✨
It’s always energizing to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and community leaders shaping what’s possible in our region.

If you’re looking to plug in, get inspired, or build new relationships before the new year, this is a great space to join. 🙌
Hope to see you there.

December’s lineup is packed with chances to connect, celebrate, and build momentum heading into 2026. Whether you’re brand-new to the Chamber or been part of the family for years, now is the time to show up and plug in.

See what’s happening and get involved: southwestmichiganfirst.com/events/upcoming-events

12/08/2025

🎉 Week One is in the books — and you showed up for Kalamazoo’s entrepreneurs.

From our early gifts to the strong first week of donations, you’ve helped launch this campaign with real strength!

Your support tells entrepreneurs that their ideas matter here, and we’re excited to carry this momentum into week two. 💛

If you haven’t made your gift yet, now’s a great moment to join in. Every contribution brings us closer to our $25,000 goal and strengthens the work happening inside Can-Do’s programs, shared workspace, and kitchen incubator.

👉 Give today:https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/ or the link in our bio! ☝

12/04/2025

🎨 At our Annual Campaign kickoff, guests took time to sit, color, and write messages of encouragement for Kalamazoo’s entrepreneurs. This activity was inspired by Serendipity Spot, one of the amazing businesses we’ve been supporting this year.

The wall filled quickly with words that reminded us how this community shows up—standing behind the people who are building something new.

We’ll be sharing more of these messages throughout the campaign, but here are a few that stayed with us. 💛

If you haven’t made a gift yet, your support strengthens the path for local entrepreneurs at every stage.

👉 Donate today: https://candokalamazoo2025.funraise.org/ or the link in our bio!

12/02/2025

🎉 Giving Tuesday is here, and our Annual Campaign is officially underway!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our kickoff event and to those who have already made a donation. Your early support has given this campaign real momentum, and we’re grateful for the energy you brought into the room — we’re already on our way toward our $25,000 goal.

We’re excited to keep the celebration going, including a mid-campaign video reveal that highlights the stories behind this work.

A special shoutout to One Well Brewing for partnering with us on our Black Friday Match Event. Your generosity took the momentum from our kickoff event and pushed it even further!

If you haven’t made your gift yet, today is a perfect moment to join in. Every contribution strengthens Kalamazoo’s entrepreneurial community.

👉 Give today on our website or via the link in our bio!

12/01/2025

📢 Weather Update: Staff Office Closed Today

Due to today’s winter weather conditions, the Can-Do Kalamazoo staff offices will be closed on December 1st.

Stay safe, stay warm, and we look forward to reopening tomorrow. ❄️💛

11/28/2025

🍻 Celebrate + Support Local on Black Friday!

Today, One Well Brewing is marking its 11th Anniversary with a full day of festivities — limited-edition beer releases, arcade and bar-game tournaments, prizes, and plenty of community energy.

During today's celebration, One Well will match any donations made to support Can-Do Kalamazoo, doubling our impact.

Huge thanks to One Well for backing the work that keeps our community's entrepreneurs moving forward!