Strategic Partners
National Christian Foundation Michigan
National Christian Foundation Michigan is a philanthropic organization dedicated to inspiring biblical generosity and maximizing the impact of charitable giving. As a local affiliate of the National Christian Foundation, NCF Michigan provides innovative, tax-smart solutions to help individuals and families simplify their giving, mobilize resources, and support over 5,000 charities. Since its inception in 2000, NCF Michigan has granted more than $770 million to ministries and nonprofits, empowering givers to align their resources with their faith and values.
Faith Driven Entrepreneur
Faith Driven Entrepreneur is a global movement dedicated to gathering and equipping Christ-following entrepreneurs to fulfill their God-given call to create and transform the world around them. Through world-class content, community, and connections, they inspire and support entrepreneurs in integrating faith and business, aiming to make a financial, social, environmental, and spiritual impact.
Calvin University
Calvin University is a Christian institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, committed to integrating faith and learning. The Startup Garage, which began as a student club in 2021 and evolved into a 2-credit practicum, was founded at Calvin to support and cultivate student entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, funding, and community engagement, it empowers students to transform their business ideas into impactful ventures.
Grace Christian University
Grace Christian University, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a Christ-centered institution dedicated to empowering students to make an eternal impact through education rooted in biblical truth. In 2025, the university implemented Startup Garage as a student club, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources, and a community to develop and launch their ventures. This initiative aligns with Grace's mission to cultivate leaders who integrate faith and purpose in all aspects of life.
truth at Work
Truth At Work is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming Christian business leaders through authentic peer advisory groups that apply biblical truth to all areas of life. Their mission is to help leaders grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, fostering a community where faith and business intersect. By integrating faith into leadership, Truth At Work empowers individuals to lead with purpose and impact their communities positively.
Inspire Generosity
Inspire Generosity is an organization dedicated to helping leaders unlock generosity and transform how they raise resources. Founded by Joanna Hogan, Inspire Generosity equips nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and businesses with the tools, frameworks, and language to move beyond transactional fundraising and inspire authentic generosity. Through this partnership, we provide workshops, resources, and training that empower founders and leaders to fuel their missions with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Know Honesty
Founded in Grand Rapids in 2016, Know Honesty is a movement dedicated to transforming communication in the workplace by fostering openness and honesty. Through workshops, assessments, and their book, Know Honesty: Eliminate the Divide, Become a Masterful Communicator, and Connect with Anyone, they empower individuals and organizations to build cultures of real communication, enhancing trust, clarity, and collaboration.
City Innovations
City Innovations is a Product Innovation and Venture Studio that partners with startups and enterprise-level ideas to achieve rapid growth using proven Silicon Valley techniques. Their core values—such as being authentic, speaking honestly, and practicing accountability—align closely with Startup Garage's commitment to authenticity, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. City Innovations' emphasis on empathy and independent thinking fosters a culture of trust and innovation, making them a valuable ally in driving impactful solutions.
TEkton
Tekton is a software development firm that partners with organizations to build high-quality, scalable applications. Their core values—such as being authentic, speaking honestly, and practicing accountability—align closely with Startup Garage's commitment to authenticity, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Tekton's emphasis on empathy and independent thinking fosters a culture of trust and innovation, making them a valuable ally in driving impactful solutions.
West michigan hispanic chamber of commerce
The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an organization dedicated to advancing economic equity and opportunity for Hispanic entrepreneurs across West Michigan. Through this partnership, we aim to connect faith-driven founders with vital resources, mentorship, and networks that support the growth of Hispanic-owned startups. Together, we’re fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem—one where innovation, community, and cultural diversity thrive side by side.