MVE-Lab Success Stories: Matthew Putman – Strain Guard LLC

Matthew Putman, a US Navy veteran and AEGIS Fire Controlman from Battle Creek, Michigan. In 2013, after becoming disabled and unable to work in his trade, he and his wife, Valerie, remained active in the RV community they had long…

MVE-Lab Success Stories: Lakeea Kelly – CrownedLady Athletic

By: Sophie Bulos Lakeea Kelly is an author, Certified Life Coach, and founder of CrownedLady Athletic in Battle Creek, Michigan. Inspired by her own weight loss journey, Lakeea understands firsthand that transformation does not happen overnight. It requires consistency, accountability,…

MVE-Lab Success Stories: John Capers – Pop’s Family Kitchen

By: Sophie Bulos John Capers is a Navy veteran from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the founder of Pop’s Family Kitchen. Pop’s is a homestyle barbecue driven by the longing for John’s family’s home-cooked meals. Pop’s services include catering for weddings,…

MVE-Lab Battle Creek Cohort 15 Final Pitch & Showcase 

On December 15th, military veterans from Michigan pitched and presented their business ideas at the brand-new Innovation Hub in Battle Creek. This event marked a milestone for MVE-Lab (Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurship Lab) as it was the first cohort to be hosted at the Innovation…

Porto Bound: Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators at the European Innovation Academy

This summer, I’ll be leading a group of students to Porto, Portugal to take part in EIA 2025, the European Innovation Academy, one of the most impactful and globally recognized entrepreneurship programs in the world. EIA isn’t your typical study…

Q&A With Artprize 2024 Winner and MVE-Lab participant: John Katerberg

By Allison Albery Q: What inspired you to join the MVE-Lab? A: My wife Barbra encouraged me to join the MVE-Lab because she wanted to take the class for her small business and thought I would also benefit.Q: Can you…