Calvin University Fall Kickoff Dinner 2026
TL;DR: We kicked off the year with a new group of Calvin University students in Startup Garage - students who are already building, already asking hard questions, and already treating faith and business as one thing, not two. Excited to see what this crew does with the semester.
Every fall, this is how it starts: not a classroom, but a table. On Wednesday night, we kicked things off with a new group of Calvin University students stepping into Startup Garage. These students are eager to learn what entrepreneurship actually looks like in practice, not just in theory.
These students are a part of the Calvin University ENTR 210, Entrepreneurship Practicum. This is a 2-credit course that allows students who had a business or an idea for a business to pursue their venture under the guidance of a mentor. As part of the process, students will analyze and reflect on how an intentionally Christian approach to entrepreneurship can shape their business. Students will gain insights into their personality and develop project management skills to strengthen their entrepreneurial effectiveness.
What struck us most wasn't just the excitement in the room - it was who these students already are. These aren't students waiting until graduation to "figure it out." They're already building. Already asking hard questions. Already learning that faith and business aren't two separate things, but one whole thing - the kind of integration we talk about all the time at Startup Garage and don't always get to see this early.
That's the heart of what we do: walking alongside early-stage, faith-driven founders before they know what they don't know yet, and helping them see that a redemptive business isn't something you build after you've got it all figured out. It's something you start building now, one honest question at a time.
We don't know exactly where this semester will take this crew - new ideas, new questions, maybe a few false starts along the way. That's part of it. But we can't wait to see what God does with this group.
If you're a Calvin student curious about Startup Garage, or know someone who should be in the room next time, reach out at info@startupgarage.org - every part of the pathway is free, and there's always room for one more.
