Traverse City, Mich. – Northern Michigan Startup Week (NMSW) 2025 is set to return April 14-17, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders to celebrate and strengthen the region’s growing startup ecosystem. This year’s event features a dynamic lineup of programming designed to foster business development, expand the local talent pool, and encourage rural innovation as Northern Michigan continues to diversify beyond its traditional tourism-based economy.
Now in its fourth year, NMSW 2025 offers four days of high-impact events, including pitch competitions, founder storytelling sessions, networking opportunities, investment panels, skill-building workshops, and community celebrations. Highlights of the week include:
- NMSW Launch Party & Bonfire Networking (April 14) – A kickoff event at Mt. Holiday Ski Lodge featuring local product showcases, live music, innovation demos, and a networking bonfire sponsored by FirstIgnite.
- Funding Basics for Startups Panel (April 15) – A discussion featuring investors from Northern Michigan Angels, Venture North, Invest Detroit, and more, providing insights into securing startup funding.
- TCNewTech Pitch Competition (April 15) – A showcase of regional entrepreneurs presenting their startup ideas before an audience of investors, business leaders, and the community at the City Opera House.
- Founder & Family Wellness Workshops (April 16) – Sessions designed to support founders in maintaining well-being while building their businesses, hosted at Northwestern Michigan College.
- Women in Tech Meetup (April 16) – A gathering at 20Fathoms to highlight and support women leading innovation in the region.
- Founders Hike (April 17) – Casual experience in nature with fellow entrepreneurs to Sleeping Bear Dunes (leaves from downtown.)
- Wrap Celebration (April 17) – End-of-week celebration with founders and ecosystem partners. Food from Crocodile palace and cash bar.
“Northern Michigan Startup Week is more than a week of events—it’s a local movement designed to foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification in the region,” said Bradley Matson, Lead Organizer of Northern Michigan Startup Week. “We’re excited to welcome both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward launching and scaling businesses right here in Northern Michigan.”
NMSW 2025 is presented through a collaborative effort by local and regional partners, including Northwestern Michigan College, 20Fathoms, and The Grove Incubator, which are providing resources, facilities, and programming support.
With 50-200 attendees expected at each event and an estimated reach of 2,000-3,000 through streaming and media coverage, NMSW continues to play a pivotal role in expanding the region’s talent pool, connecting entrepreneurs with resources, and positioning Northern Michigan as a hub for innovation.
For more information and to register for events, visit NMSW.co.
About Northern Michigan Startup Week
Northern Michigan Startup Week is a multi-day celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community collaboration in Traverse City and across the region. The event is open to everyone—students, professionals, investors, and anyone curious about entrepreneurship. A collaborative initiative, NMSW is organized in collaboration with our hosting partners: 20Fathoms, Northwestern Michigan College and The Grove Incubator.
