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,…

Q&A | Hickory Tree Farm Apiaries

By Kayla Sosa Nick Kaminski is the recent grand prize winner of the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab at Grand Valley State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Before MVE, Kaminski was involved with Heroes to Hives, a program that teaches veterans how to…

Born Blessing: Supporting women during their path to and through motherhood

By Kayla Sosa A local woman is one of the recent winners of the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab Showcase and Pitch Competition at Grand Valley State University. Ellie Dragstra wanted to become a doula - or maternal support practitioner - for…