Support Us

Photo credit: Michigan’s Creative Coast and Michael Kent

Help grow Northwest Michigan’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation

20Fathoms develops, educates, and connects entrepreneurs and technology start-ups with the resources necessary to build thriving businesses and establish Northwest Michigan as their year-round home. We are a nonprofit organization and we rely on the support of our community to help us do this work.

The 20Fathoms Vision Fund is our philanthropic initiative that enhances programs and services to promote the future of tech entrepreneurship in our region. Your donation helps aspiring tech entrepreneurs, current tech professionals and community members interested in tech to learn and grow.

Together, we are mobilizing innovation and entrepreneurship to create year-round and high-value jobs, an engaged workforce, and thriving families in our community. View Your 2023 Impact (pdf).

The Traverse City Center of Entrepreneurship, d.b.a. 20Fathoms, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN 82-4116553

Give Today

Scale your impact on our community’s future

Your investment in the 20Fathoms Vision Fund helps ensure that our region receives opportunities, programs, and projects that uplift, diversify, and strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem for generations to come.

Give Today

Video: Your Impact

Learn how donors like you have helped entrepreneurs thrive in Northwest Michigan.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about supporting 20Fathoms, please contact Wes Sovis, Manager of Development. Call 231-938-6519 or click the button below to send an email.

We accept gifts by credit card, check, cash, stock, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA, donor-advised funds, real estate, planned giving, employer matching, and gifts-in-kind. (EIN 82-4116553)

Email Wes

Mike Groleau Donor

“In just five years, 20Fathoms has become a strong regional technology leader and supporter of entrepreneurship, and in doing so is creating the jobs and skilled workforce for our future. As a local business owner, I recognize the importance of this work and feel privileged to be able to support the 20Fathoms community.”

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Ashley Sloat – Aurora Consulting Sponsor

“I support the 20Fathoms ecosystem so that career diversification and growth can continue in the Grand Traverse region. My dream, which is shared by the 20Fathoms community, is to create an economy in northern Michigan in which the young children of today can be a part of, and contribute to, when they are adults.”

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Janie McNabb Donor

“As a monthly donor to 20Fathoms, I give because I’m passionate about expanding opportunities for everyone in our community. 20Fathoms is building a diversified economy and creating great jobs, supporting and empowering each entrepreneur, each career explorer, each individual every step of the way.”

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Jamie Kemler Donor

“I donate to 20Fathoms to support their important mission to grow innovation and entrepreneurship in Northern Michigan. Having moved here from Boston in 2016, I’ve seen first-hand the progress and impact that their talented team members have had towards meeting this goal. I’m optimistic about the future for this region’s start-up community.”

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Mike Groleau Donor

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Ashley Sloat – Aurora Consulting Sponsor

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Janie McNabb Donor

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Jamie Kemler Donor

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Mike Groleau Donor

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Other ways you can support tech entrepreneurship at 20Fathoms

Membership

Become a coworking space member where you’ll enjoy the bay view while you work while getting to know the 20Fathoms community.

Office Overview & Perks

Sponsorship

Join our Community Partner sponsorship program and receive recognition for your business.

Our sponsors

Mug Club

You’ll receive a limited-edition, numbered 20Fathoms mug which you can use to enjoy free beverages at our coworking space.

Learn more

Events

Attend a 20Fathoms event and connect with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Upcoming events

The Hub

Visit the Hub

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Bonus: Share what you read with your network to help spread the word!

Newsletter Sign-up

Video: Building Traverse City’s Tech Startup Ecosystem

The push to create a thriving tech ecosystem in Traverse City is already paying off. By bridging local startup business programs and capital partners, 20Fathoms and local entrepreneurs are seeing results: 275+ jobs created or sustained, $138 million raised in startup and growth capital, 200+ companies served.

News from 20Fathoms

March 13, 2025

20Fathoms announces high-impact lineup as part of Northern Michigan Startup Week

Registration is now open for 20Fathoms’ events hosted during Northern Michigan Startup Week. Returning April 14-17, 2025 in Traverse City, Northern Michigan Startup Week offers an action-packed week celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation. Events hosted by…

March 1, 2025

New program for Indigenous small businesses provides professional service support

20Fathoms is pleased to announce a new funding resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northwest Michigan. The Indigenous Professional Service Provider Support program will provide small businesses up to $4000 in professional services support such as…

February 19, 2025

Scholarships Available for Grow with Google Career Certificates

Individuals in Northwest Michigan can prepare for a new career in a high-growth field through free courses thanks to a partnership between 20Fathoms and the Center on Rural Innovation. The certification courses are available through…