Starting Gate

Starting Gate students and mentors are listening to pitch presentations in the Haymarket downtown location.

Events

All workshops are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in 2150 Schneider Hall (Dean's Conference Room) at the Haworth College of Business, unless otherwise noted. These events are open to all WMU students, even those not participating in the full accelerator program, by registering no later than noon on the day of each workshop. Additionally, business students may attend for SPuRS credit.

Starting Gate
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5429 USA
(269) 387-5860

Spring 2026 schedule

Build your network, build your business

January 12 | Brad Scoffin, Advanced Business Brokers
Register

Providing leadership within your organization

January 26 | Dr. Decker Hains, Department of Management, WMU
Register

The dollars and cents of providing excellent customer service

February 2 | Heather Huerta, Advia Credit Union
Register

Elements of a contract, operating agreement and the Michigan LLC

February 9 | Cody Hayward, J.D., Willis Law
Register

Wellness in the workplace

February 16 | Danielle Field, Haworth College of Business, WMU, and Beth Smith, College of Aviation, WMU
Register

Walking the founder's path

February 23 | Yuri Vega, Holo Footwear
Register

Cultivating success: bringing a food concept to life

March 2 | Ernie Pang, Junkless
Register

Starting Gate Demo Day

March 16 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. | Starting Gate members present their business concepts
Register