How the GR SmartZone
Supports Startups
The Grand Rapids SmartZone is a public–private partnership, funded in part by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) to support high-tech and high-growth businesses in Grand Rapids. That’s the jargon-y way of saying the City of Grand Rapids and its partners have pooled resources to back Grand Rapidians with ideas worth pursuing. We work with innovators across all industries — not just tech — and connect them with the support, space, and funding they need to turn those ideas into thriving businesses.
Public and private partners teaming up to power local innovation
3. Physical Space
You might start in a garage, but sometimes creativity hits best when you’re surrounded by other startups. We work with our partners like Start Garden and the Spartan Innovations Center to create spaces where high-tech companies can launch, test, and grow.
1. Inspiration, Mentorship & Access
Founders can’t work in a silo. You need mentorship and thought-partnership. We support incubators and programs that connect entrepreneurs with guidance, workspace, and community.
2. Connection & Awareness
The life of a founder can be lonely; you need connections and new ideas. Tech hubs and innovation parks are nothing new, but we want you to be a part of growing our startup community in Grand Rapids. We, in turn, will do our part to promote Grand Rapids as a place for high-tech innovation and build programming, events, and opportunities to make sure this space is thriving.
SmartZone resources are focused across four strategic areas:
How We Support Startups and Entrepreneurs:
Our Partners
SmartZone operators work through strategic contracts to offer services and incubator spaces:
Get Connected
Would your business be a good fit? Let’s talk. A SmartZone navigator can walk you through our programs—whether you’re in tech or any other industry—and help you find the right path forward.
Spartan Innovations
Operates The Bridge incubator and coworking space in the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building.
Start Garden
Operates the 40 Pearl incubator and coworking space in downtown Grand Rapids.
Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)
Provides funding for programs and events such as Tech Week GR, incubation, acceleration programs, and coworking spaces.
Gateway Grand Rapids BAF (Statewide)
A statewide program run through the Michigan Strategic Fund that works with SmartZone accelerators to help early-stage companies grow. Funds are used for specialized support—like product validation, user testing, and commercialization planning—that can push a promising business toward market readiness.
SmartZone operators work through strategic contracts to offer services and incubator spaces: