20Fathoms

Startup Coaching: Petoskey
2025-11-05 14:30 - 16:00, 2025-12-03 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | North Coast Work, 417 Howard St., Petoskey, MI
Happens the first Wednesday of the month. Appointments available, or drop in. Just show up and bring your questions!
Connect with startup experts who can help you grow.
Startup coaches share their time, wisdom, and connections to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses and avoid common mistakes. They can provide guidance to entrepreneurs with new and growing businesses on a full range of topics including business planning and entity formation, funding strategy, sales, operations, human resources, and much more.
New business owners routinely state that mentorship and connections are very important. However, entrepreneurs must be open and committed to learning, as well as willing to make the time to meet with their coach.
What to expect:

For your small business, startup, or idea
A private, one-on-one meeting with a startup expert
Troubleshoot your business goals and challenges
Honest, supportive feedback
Recommendations on resources and tools

Meet your coach:
As Manager of Startup Education at 20Fathoms, Erin Srebinski develops and manages startup education programs at 20Fathoms including workshops, bootcamps, courses, and other resources. In this role, she enjoys building programming and education that helps entrepreneurs make Traverse City their hub to launch and grow successful businesses.

Breakfast Lab
2025-11-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-04 09:00 - 12:00 | 20Fathoms, 10850 East Traverse Highway, #Ste 4400, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Breakfast Lab is a weekly event at 20Fathoms where you’ll get expert guidance to help meet your most pressing startup needs, providing access to the right tools and the right people at the right time.
These events are held in person and there is no cost to attend. Coffee and a light breakfast are provided. No registration required; walk-ins are welcome!
There are two parts to each Breakfast Lab:

Startup Workshop: 9 – 10:30 am
Startup Coaching: 10:30 am – noon

Attend both parts, or just one. Topics will vary week-to-week and will cover essential business skills like marketing, customer discovery, pitching, and more.
Breakfast Lab happens in person at 20Fathoms every week. Can’t join us in person? Join us virtually here.
Learn more about Breakfast Lab and check out this week’s topic.
Who should attend:
Breakfast Lab was designed specifically to support:

Idea and early-stage startup founders with scalable innovations and technologies
Entrepreneurs navigating strategic growth or a pivot in their business model

Prerequisite:
There are no prerequisites to attend Breakfast Lab. All are welcome!
At Breakfast Lab, we use something called a Business Model Canvas to organize your business plan and help you move forward.
Don’t have a canvas yet? No sweat. You’ll learn to use the Canvas at Breakfast Lab, where we’ll have copies available. You can also join a Startup Bootcamp to get started or download the instructions and a blank canvas to work through on your own time.

Startup Coaching: Traverse City
2025-11-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-20 13:00 - 15:00
Happens every Thursday. Appointments recommended. Drop in coaching is also available. Just show up and bring your questions!
Connect with startup experts who can help you grow.
Startup coaches share their time, wisdom, and connections to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses and avoid common mistakes. They can provide guidance to entrepreneurs with new and growing businesses on a full range of topics including business planning and entity formation, funding strategy, sales, operations, human resources, and much more.
New business owners routinely state that mentorship and connections are very important. However, entrepreneurs must be open and committed to learning, as well as willing to make the time to meet with their coach.
Schedule an appointment in advance or drop in.
What to expect:

For your small business, startup, or idea
A private, one-on-one meeting with a startup expert
Troubleshoot your business goals and challenges
Honest, supportive feedback
Recommendations on resources and tools

Startup Coaching: Virtual
2025-11-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-04 13:00 - 15:00
Happens every Thursday by appointment. Just show up and bring your questions!
Connect with startup experts who can help you grow.
Startup coaches share their time, wisdom, and connections to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses and avoid common mistakes. They can provide guidance to entrepreneurs with new and growing businesses on a full range of topics including business planning and entity formation, funding strategy, sales, operations, human resources, and much more.
New business owners routinely state that mentorship and connections are very important. However, entrepreneurs must be open and committed to learning, as well as willing to make the time to meet with their coach. To better serve our regional entrepreneurs, 20Fathoms now offers access to coaching virtually!
Virtual coaching is open to all by appointment. Schedule an appointment.
What to expect:

For your small business, startup, or idea
A private, one-on-one meeting with a startup expert
Troubleshoot your business goals and challenges
Honest, supportive feedback
Recommendations on resources and tools

November Founder Accountability Huddle
2025-11-07 09:00 - 09:15, 2025-11-10 09:00 - 09:15, 2025-11-12 09:00 - 09:15, 2025-11-14 09:00 - 09:15, 2025-11-17 09:00 - 09:15, 2025-11-19 09:00 - 09:15, 2025-11-21 09:00 - 10:00
Bring your goals (business or personal). 15 minute drop in sessions for goal setting and feedback—without the pressure to be perfect.

ALL SESSIONS TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM.

Stay Connected. Stay Accountable. Stay Human.
Scrum at 20Fathoms isn’t just about productivity—it’s about building a rhythm of support for entrepreneurs in Northern Michigan. Think of it as your built-in accountability circle: a space to show up as you are, get unstuck, share challenges, and celebrate progress—without the pressure of being “perfect.”
These sessions neutralize the toxicity of perfectionism and instead provide a place for problem-solving, feedback, and balance. Bring your business goals, your self-care goals, or both—because being a founder means bringing your whole self.
Whether you want to quietly listen in for inspiration or actively share what you’re working on, Scrum is here to help you move forward. With sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, it creates a consistent touchpoint for progress, accountability, and community support—tying your efforts to meaningful goals and connecting you with peers walking the same path.
What you’ll experience:

Real accountability – A gentle nudge to keep moving forward on the things that matter most to you.
Problem-solving together – Bring your sticky challenges and get ideas, feedback, and encouragement from peers who’ve been there too.
Balance for founders – Set goals for both your business and your well-being, because entrepreneurship is about the whole person.
Community connection – Build genuine relationships with other entrepreneurs who understand your highs, lows, and everything in between.

What you can expect to learn:

Hands-on Scrum Experience – Gain practical skills in Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, and Retrospectives to boost productivity.
Stronger Focus & Problem-Solving – Improve clarity, adaptability, and decision-making with structured support and real-time feedback.
Tangible Progress on Goals – Make measurable strides on your projects with structured accountability and agile execution.

There is no cost to attend.

Workshop schedule:
1. Sprint Planning Zoom Meeting (1 hour) | November 3 | Sprint Planning: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
2. Daily Scrum Zoom Meeting (15 minutes Monday, Wednesday, Friday) | November 5-19: 9:00 am – 9:15 am
3. Sprint Review / Retrospective Zoom Meeting (1 hour) | November 21th: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
About the presenter:
As a Certified Scrum Master, Organizational Coach, and Consultant, Lisa Carbonell specializes in cultivating authenticity, transparency, accountability, and continuous learning using an Agile framework. She helps individuals and teams across diverse sectors—entrepreneurs, creatives, and social justice advocates—to achieve their vision, mission, and goals. With a master’s education in Applied Behavioral Science and Organizational Development from the Leadership Institute of Seattle, she blends empathy and expertise, enabling teams to discover, promote, build, and launch their dreams.

About 20Fathoms:
20Fathoms is the home of technology and entrepreneurship in Northern Michigan. We catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship through startup incubation services, business workshops, community partnership, and a vibrant coworking space. We also remove barriers and accelerate career growth through tech career training, talent acquisition, and the advancement of regional strategic initiatives.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number awarded to 20Fathoms by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Petoskey Startup Bootcamp, Powered by CO.STARTERS
2025-11-10 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-12 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-17 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Northcoast Works, 417 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI, 49770, United States
A four-part series for launching your big idea

Note: This is a 4-part series. Attendance at all 4 sessions is highly encouraged to maximize your learning; each session is designed to build on the last. Your registration/ticket for the first session represents registration for all four sessions.
Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear.
Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path forward isn’t always clear. During this four-part Startup Bootcamp hosted by 20Fathoms in partnership with CO.STARTERS, the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, NLEA, and Northcoast.Work you’ll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea, venture, or small business. Our goal is to challenge you, stretch your thinking, and give you concrete tools to bring your business to life. This bootcamp is not about listening; it’s about doing.
About Startup Bootcamp:
This startup bootcamp, powered by CO.STARTERS, is a four-part, interactive workshop that will help you launch your business.
Dates and times:
November 10, 12, 17, 19
5-8 pm (Dinner will be provided)
What you can expect to learn:

Understand your business model and how to refine it
Learn how to market your business
Dive into the basic building blocks needed for your financial modeling
Build momentum by goal setting

Attendees will walk away with a completed Lean Business Model Canvas, preparing participants to drop in to regular 20Fathoms Breakfast Lab programming for entrepreneurs.
There is no cost to attend.
**For the full description of this bootcamp, please check out our website here.**
Who should attend:

Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals who have a business idea but need guidance on how to develop and launch it.
Early-Stage Founders: Entrepreneurs who have started their business but need help refining their strategy and scaling.
Small Business Owners: Those looking to pivot or innovate their existing business model.
Team Members: Members of a startup team who need to understand the business strategy and contribute effectively.

You should have:

A clear idea or concept for a business
Goals and objectives for the bootcamp
Basic business knowledge
A willingness to learn!
Preparedness to share and collaborate

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number awarded to 20Fathoms by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Meet your facilitators:
Erin Srebinski is the Manager of Startup Education at 20Fathoms. In this role, she enjoys building programming and education that helps entrepreneurs make Traverse City their hub to launch and grow successful businesses. Prior to joining the team at 20Fathoms, Erin was an Experience Strategist at City Innovations, where she supported startups with growth strategy, UX research and strategy, and content strategy. Over the past six years, she has been deeply involved in the startup world, focusing on all aspects of launching new ventures with a strong emphasis on customer experience and discovery. Through her previous work, she has developed a unique toolkit that will help entrepreneurs at 20Fathoms think through what resources are needed as they begin an entrepreneurial journey. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University.
In partnership with:

Presenting partner:

Supporting partner:

About 20Fathoms:
Based in Traverse City, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education, business coaching, TCNewTech pitch competitions, access to capital, a vibrant coworking space, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/

TCNewTech Pitch Competition
2025-11-18 16:30 - 19:30 | City Opera House, 106 E Front St, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Community, connections, and innovation

The TCNewTech Pitch Competition is a fun and free public event featuring Michigan-based startups. Cheer on founders as they pitch their innovative business ideas on stage and compete for cash awards.
Pitch presenters represent the wide variety of growing businesses in Michigan. Each presenter will be allowed 5 minutes to present their business, followed by a 5 minute Q&A with the judges. A panel of expert judges will review each startup, determine the best and most innovative idea, and audience members will vote for their favorite. See who will walk away with the First, Second, and Audience Choice Award!
Beyond the main stage, build connections with entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and startup enthusiasts who are driving the region’s growing startup community. Networking opportunities are available before the show from 4:30 – 5:30 and afterward, as well.
Also, come early and explore the expo, where local and regional organizations and initiatives will share their work.
20Fathoms plans to take photos and video during this event. By attending the event, you agree to being photographed and filmed, which may be used for marketing purposes.
Event Schedule
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Doors open! Visit the expo in the lobby. Cash bar.
5:30 – 6:45 pm: Pitch competition.
6:45 – 7:30 pm: Networking.
7:30 pm – ?: Afterparty! Connect with pitch presenters and others in our entrepreneurial community.
Parking
There are several surface lots and street parking around the City Opera House, as well as the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck two blocks to the east on Front Street.
Apply to pitch at TCNewTech!
Applications to pitch at TCNewTech will be open until October 14.
Entrepreneurs who are women, BIPOC, Native American, 2SLGBTQIA+, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Finalists will receive personalized, in-depth support as they prepare to present their business from the main stage and get ready to reach their next business goals. This includes coaching, coworking passes, and more!
Get all the details about pitching at TCNewTech, including the application.

Presenting partner

Supporting Partners

About TCNewTech
A program of 20Fathoms, TCNewTech is a recurring pitch competition supported by tech enthusiasts, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2015 as a way to connect local tech professionals, TCNewTech is a critical component in Traverse City’s growing startup community. Since its founding, more than 250 companies have pitched and $60,000 in pitch awards have been given to startups.

About 20Fathoms
Based in Traverse City, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education, business coaching, TCNewTech pitch competitions, access to capital, a vibrant coworking space, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/

Women in Tech Meetup - Traverse City
2025-11-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Earthen Ales, 1371 Gray Drive, ##200, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Join us for connection, empowerment, and lots of fun!

Each month Women in Tech gathers to build community and support amongst women working in, or interested in, the tech industry and tech-related roles.
This meetup is casual, fun, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on, share our stories, and pool our collected expertise to support each other on our journeys.
This informal meetup is meant to help women build local connections and work on their professional growth (yeah, support systems!). Gatherings are often made up of half-returning and half-new women, creating a welcoming and approachable energy.
This event is free and open to all, including students! Light snacks will be provided. Registration is requested to ensure ample seating, but walk-ins are always welcome. Look for the Women in Tech/20Fathoms signage.
We can’t wait to see you!
Thank you to our event partner:

Startup Coaching: Benzonia
2025-11-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Grow Benzie, 5885 Frankfort Highway, Benzonia, MI, 49616, United States
Happens the third Thursday of the month. No RSVP required. Just show up and bring your questions!
Connect with startup experts who can help you grow.
Startup coaches share their time, wisdom, and connections to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses and avoid common mistakes. They can provide guidance to entrepreneurs with new and growing businesses on a full range of topics including business planning and entity formation, funding strategy, sales, operations, human resources, and much more.
New business owners routinely state that mentorship and connections are very important. However, entrepreneurs must be open and committed to learning, as well as willing to make the time to meet with their coach.
What to expect:

For your small business, startup, or idea
A private, one-on-one meeting with a startup expert
Troubleshoot your business goals and challenges
Honest, supportive feedback
Recommendations on resources and tools

Meet your coach:
Gretchen Swanson leads talent initiatives at 20Fathoms to address the region’s need for qualified tech and startup professionals. Working with local employers and regional partners to identify critical skill areas, she develops programming and resources for tech professionals of all experience levels, helping job seekers successfully navigate their tech careers.
Gretchen is a long-time champion of innovative workforce development partnerships in the Grand Traverse Region. She has supported entrepreneurs and growing organizations as a Business Consultant with Michigan Small Business Development Center and through independent consulting where she specialized in technology integration and talent development.

20Fathoms: Unplugged
2025-11-20 17:00 - 19:00 | 20Fathoms, 10850 East Traverse Highway, #Ste 4400, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Our Open House – join us for a casual networking night spotlights of interesting entrepreneurs, startup founders & community members!

Build deeper connections with your local startup community at 20Fathoms: Unplugged, a casual networking event the last Thursday of the month!
Mingle with peers who care about the growth of our region’s entrepreneurship community, dive into conversations with local founders, and celebrate the exciting ideas shaping Northern Michigan’s future.
For November’s edition, we’re thrilled to feature Megan Alexander of Carter’s Compost, a local leader in community-driven sustainability, and Sarah Alexander of Sleeping Bear Granola, the maker of beloved small-batch granola rooted in Northern Michigan craftsmanship.
Enjoy light appetizers and local assorted beverages

5:00 – 5:45 pm: Open networking
5:45 pm: Spotlights
6:15 – 7:00 pm: Open networking

If you’ve attended a 20Fathoms Open House in the past, we hope you will join us for this reimagining of our Open House format. If you’re new to 20Fathoms, come check us out!
20Fathoms plans to take photos and videos during the event. By attending the event, you agree to be photographed and filmed, which may be used for marketing purposes.

About 20Fathoms:
Based in Traverse City, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education, business coaching, TCNewTech pitch competitions, access to capital, a vibrant coworking space, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/

December Founder Accountability Huddle
2025-12-01 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-03 09:00 - 09:15
Bring your goals (business or personal). 15 minute drop in sessions for goal setting and feedback—without the pressure to be perfect.

ALL SESSIONS TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM.

Stay Connected. Stay Accountable. Stay Human.
Scrum at 20Fathoms isn’t just about productivity—it’s about building a rhythm of support for entrepreneurs in Northern Michigan. Think of it as your built-in accountability circle: a space to show up as you are, get unstuck, share challenges, and celebrate progress—without the pressure of being “perfect.”
These sessions neutralize the toxicity of perfectionism and instead provide a place for problem-solving, feedback, and balance. Bring your business goals, your self-care goals, or both—because being a founder means bringing your whole self.
Whether you want to quietly listen in for inspiration or actively share what you’re working on, Scrum is here to help you move forward. With sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, it creates a consistent touchpoint for progress, accountability, and community support—tying your efforts to meaningful goals and connecting you with peers walking the same path.
What you’ll experience:

Real accountability – A gentle nudge to keep moving forward on the things that matter most to you.
Problem-solving together – Bring your sticky challenges and get ideas, feedback, and encouragement from peers who’ve been there too.
Balance for founders – Set goals for both your business and your well-being, because entrepreneurship is about the whole person.
Community connection – Build genuine relationships with other entrepreneurs who understand your highs, lows, and everything in between.

What you can expect to learn:

Hands-on Scrum Experience – Gain practical skills in Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, and Retrospectives to boost productivity.
Stronger Focus & Problem-Solving – Improve clarity, adaptability, and decision-making with structured support and real-time feedback.
Tangible Progress on Goals – Make measurable strides on your projects with structured accountability and agile execution.

There is no cost to attend.

Workshop schedule:
1. Sprint Planning Zoom Meeting (1 hour) | December 1 | Sprint Planning: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
2. Daily Scrum Zoom Meeting (15 minutes Monday, Wednesday, Friday) | December 3-17: 9:00 am – 9:15 am
3. Sprint Review / Retrospective Zoom Meeting (1 hour) | December 19th: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
About the presenter:
As a Certified Scrum Master, Organizational Coach, and 20Fathoms EIR, Lisa Carbonell specializes in cultivating authenticity, transparency, accountability, and continuous learning using an Agile framework. She helps individuals and teams across diverse sectors—entrepreneurs, creatives, and social justice advocates—to achieve their vision, mission, and goals. With a master’s education in Applied Behavioral Science and Organizational Development from the Leadership Institute of Seattle, she blends empathy and expertise, enabling teams to discover, promote, build, and launch their dreams.

About 20Fathoms:
20Fathoms is the home of technology and entrepreneurship in Northern Michigan. We catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship through startup incubation services, business workshops, community partnership, and a vibrant coworking space. We also remove barriers and accelerate career growth through tech career training, talent acquisition, and the advancement of regional strategic initiatives.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number awarded to 20Fathoms by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
