GVSU, Southwest Michigan leaders celebrate Battle Creek Innovation Hub as central to innovation, education

Throughout its renovation, the 30,000-square-foot Battle Creek Innovation Hub (BCIH) was gaining a reputation as not just a building, but rather a central place for innovation, connections and education.

Leaders from Southwest Michigan and Grand Valley celebrated the completion of renovations at BCIH and their longstanding partnerships during a ribbon-cutting ceremony October 9. 

In 2024, GVSU received a $10.4 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to transform the building on Jackson Street, in partnership with Battle Creek Unlimited. 

BCIH features classrooms, a commercial teaching kitchen, café, event venue and collaborative areas. Programs within the facility include stackable degrees and certificates for working adults, plus partnerships with local employers to provide internships and other high-impact experiences for students.

President Philomena V. Mantella said public-private partnerships such as this are critical to moving Michigan's economy and its workforce forward.

"For Michigan to take its place as one of the leading states in the country, it’s going to take all of us working together," Mantella said. "The Battle Creek Innovation Hub is a perfect example of how education, the private sector, nonprofits and elected officials can align on building structures that will equip Michigan for the future."

Mantella also announced the Southwest Michigan Access Fund, which supports programs and services that enhance access to a Grand Valley education in Battle Creek and the Southwest Michigan region. 

Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, said BCIH is a testament to what dedicated partners can accomplish. 

“Today, Grand Valley State University is doubling down on its presence, partnership and entrepreneurship offerings for the residents of Battle Creek and bringing its extensive array of programming centered around entrepreneurism and needs-based educational offerings," Sobieralski said.

Jenefer O’Dell, senior program officer and leader of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Battle Creek team, said BCIH reflects the needs and the aspirations of Battle Creek residents.

"This space is more than just a building. It’s a place where education, innovation and community come together," O'Dell said. "With classrooms, commercial kitchens, entrepreneurial services and collaborative workspaces, it aims to spark new opportunities for our students, our educators and our local businesses. It’s a launchpad for ideas and a hub for equitable economic growth in our city."

Kara Van Dam, vice president and chief executive for GVSU Omni, thanked the foundation for recognizing the potential of how the former Kendall Center could be transformed into a dynamic center for education, entrepreneurship and community engagement.

"Grand Valley's partnership with the Kellogg Foundation and Battle Creek Unlimited has created momentum that will benefit generations of Southwest Michigan families," Van Dam said.

Jonah Hurtado-Macias is working in BCIH as the Food Reimagined program and events coordinator. Hurtado-Macias is a GVSU alumnus and recipient of the Battle Creek Pipeline Scholarship. 

"What an exciting and transformative day this is for our city, our home and for every builder, dreamer and doer in this room," Hurtado-Macias said. "This Hub represents a single front door where ideas meet resources, passion meets community, and potential turns into progress. It’s not just a building, it’s a bridge. It's a place where innovation is no longer a distant dream but a local reality."