News from Northern Michigan’s startup community

for founders, geeks, and creatives.

Exterior of The Piping Plover
$75,000 Awarded to Northwest Michigan Small Businesses through 20Fathoms and Venture North Partnership

20Fathoms and Venture North are pleased to announce the recipients of $75,000 in small business grants. Each of the following Northwest Michigan businesses received approximately $4,500.   The recipients were selected based on their company’s...

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May 19, 2025

Founder’s Story: Susie Grace, Valor Skincare

At Valor Skincare, Susie Grace is creating environmentally friendly skincare and personal care products.  Susie Grace, founder of Valor Skincare, is an accidental entrepreneur. “When I first started making my own products, I wasn’t planning...

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May 8, 2025

Business Spotlight: The Piping Plover

Step into The Piping Plover in downtown Manistee, and you’ll find not only a clothing boutique, but also an art gallery and community gathering space. Lauren Carlson opened the store in May 2024 and from...

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May 8, 2025

Entrepreneurs invited to apply for small business grants

In partnership with Venture North, 20Fathoms is pleased to announce a new round of funding for startups and small businesses in Northwest Michigan. Designed for innovative startups and small businesses headquartered in Northwest Michigan, these...

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April 23, 2025

Women in Tech offers powerful community building

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. “It can be intimidating for women to show up to a...

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April 23, 2025

Founder’s Story: Sabrina Jordan, 8bit Insights

Data consultant Sabrina Jordan has done it all; from data architecture to data engineering, data analysis and reporting, her career has taken her across a wide range of industries. That experience serves her well in...

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April 23, 2025

Founder’s Story: Jaime Edmondson, Spellbound Creative Studio

Creative Jaime Edmondson has a head full of creative ideas for businesses in Traverse City. She began her creative path as a student at Michigan State when she switched from studying zoology to digital media...

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