Startup Garage

Last night we got the privledge of hearing from Ben and Laura Harrison, the founders of Jonas Paul Eyewear. They turned a passion with a personal significance into a business that impacts many more kids than just their own. It is inspiring to see a family using their experience and entreperenuership to make purchasing glasses a more enjoyable experince for others.

This week at Startup Garage: Join us this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the School of Business for an inspiring talk with Ben and Laura Harrison, founders of jonaspauleyewear They'll share their family's incredible journey and how their son’s vision challenges led them to rethink kids' eyewear. Learn how passion and innovation can drive real change in the world of business. All students and community members are welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!

Last night, our team joined the startup community at Start Garden’s February 5 x 5 Night in downtown Grand Rapids. Entrepreneurs pitched their ideas for a chance to win $5,000, from a gaming center to a pickle business! It was an inspiring evening of learning about pitching, business sustainability, and making an impact.

Friday, February 21st, The StartUp Garage Leadership Team got the amazing opportunity to attend Flourish 2025. This was a dinner at Ada Bible Church put on by the National Christian Foundation. This event shared the biblical principles of generosity through the testimony of many individuals. This was a night of inspiration and demonstrated faithfulness that our leadership team was very thankful to be a part of!

Highlights from last night talk with Leann DeKryge! Leann shared her incredible journey as a college entrepreneur! She turned her passion for baking into College Cupcakes, while balancing a full-time job in marketing. Since then, her business has expanded into weddings, and she’s excited to keep growing while doing what she loves. Her story is a testament to hard work, learning along the way, and never giving up on your dreams.

Join us Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Business Building to hear from Leann DeKryge, owner and founder of College Cupcakes. Leann will walk us through her journey of becoming an entrepreneur in college and continuing her delicious business even as she works a full-time position. Please join us for this sweet event. All are welcome!

Highlights from last night’s talk with Kirk Bierens: Kirk shared his journey through various careers, emphasizing how his love for God and art has remained constant. He believes that creativity is part of being made in the image of God and should, therefore, be encouraged. His company, With, seeks to do just that. Kirk showed us how our unique expressions of creativity can give rise to businesses that bless and encourage others. Stay tuned for more insights from future speakers.

This week at Calvin Startup Garage: Join us this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the School of Business for an inspiring evening with Kirk Bierens, founder of With (Art Kits). Kirk will share his unique journey of blending art and ministry, exploring how creativity can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community impact. All students and community members are welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!

Highlights from last night’s talk with Bill McKendry! Bill shared his unique journey in advertising, his leadership in the He Gets Us campaign, and the challenges that shaped his professional and personal growth. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on purpose-driven work and the power of communication in sharing God’s message. Stay tuned for details on next week's meeting!

This week at Startup Garage: Join us this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Business Building at Calvin University for an inspiring talk with Bill McKendry the creative mind behind the successful 'He Gets Us' campaign. With years of experience in marketing, Bill will share his insights on crafting impactful messages that resonate and make a difference. All students and community members are welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!