Four questions about GVSU’s Economic Impact
Paul Isely and Dawne Bell break down the report and detail how faculty and staff can share this impressive story.
Featured
January 13, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 9)
MVE-Lab launches next group of entrepreneurs in Battle Creek
January 13, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 9)
Standing at left is Michael Hyacinthe, MVE-Lab lead instructor. The pitch night for participants was held December 15 at the Battle Creek Innovation Hub.
Photo Credit: Martin Hogan
Participants in the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) pitched their ideas in mid-December to a panel of judges at the Battle Creek Innovation Hub.
The event capped an 11-week entrepreneurial accelerator program. In a cohort model, veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs worked with mentors from Battle Creek to hone or launch their small business startups.
John Capers, of Pop's Family Kitchen, earned first place and $6,000 to be put toward enhancing his catering business. A total of $15,000 in prizes was awarded.
The Battle Creek MVE-Lab was offered through GVSU's DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI), in partnership with Battle Creek Unlimited and with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
More than 65 percent of MVE-Lab graduates have remained in business, producing gross annual sales of $799,516 and a gross capital investment of more than $3.1 million.
Categories
This article was last edited on January 7, 2026 at 8:31 a.m.
Related Articles
Multiple departments team to present 'Hour of AI Week' initiative
The week of January 26 will be filled with events, providing faculty and staff with opportunities to learn about and engage in AI.
January 13, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 9)
Article by
Cass Wainwright
Public Health hosts 'Healthy Plates' event for young students
Elementary and middle school students cooked and ate a healthy meal together, then went home with fresh bread dough and a cookbook.
January 13, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 9)
Article by
Ranelle Brew